Russia Anticipates Activation of Chechen Fighters in Pankisi in Spring

(Tbilisi, January 23, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Commander of the Russian Border Guard Department Konstantin Totski said today Chechen fighters prepare for the active moves at Georgian-Russian border by the spring.

“We have information proving that the Chechen fighters sheltering in Georgia’s Pankisi gorge intend to be more active by the spring, 2003,” Russian media sources report quoting Konstantin Totski.

Russian border guard official said that the number of the Chechen fighters reduced after the anti-crime operation in the gorge carried out by the Georgian law enforcers.

Totski stated that the main part of the militants left Pankisi and dislocated in the mountainous regions for the winter period. “In spring we anticipate incursions of Chechen militants from Georgia into Chechnya,” Totski said.

Georgian law enforcement officials claim that there are only some criminals remaining Pankisi gorge. Georgian State Security Ministry reports that the militants have already left the gorge.

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