Moscow has promised to launch a major offensive against the Islamic rebels who have taken over a number of villages in the southern Russian republic of Dagestan. More than a thousand rebels are thought to have crossed into Dagestan from the neighbouring republic of Chechnya, which effectively achieved independence three years ago after its own bitter war.
The Islamist rebels, however, claim that they have surrounded a Russian army brigade numbering possibly 3,000 soldiers. Russian forces are taking part in a big operation to evict the rebels, who invaded the Russian republic six days ago. The insurgents have declared Dagestan an independent Islamic state.
President Boris Yeltsin has said that he is confident that Russian forces will defeat the rebels. Russia claims that its operations have dislodged more rebels from several villages and says the situation will be return to normal in two weeks. Russia's Deputy Interior Minister said that a “massive operation” would be launched in the next few days. The Russian President Boris Yeltsin has said that his military has embarked on “serious work” in Dagestan.
Under the leadership of the Chechen warlord, Shamil Basayev, the rebels seized several Dagestani villages and proclaimed a holy war against Moscow. At least 10 Russians have died in fighting so far.
