Russian forces conduct special operation to nab Chechen warlord

Moscow, March 11 (UNI) Russian forces are conducting special operation to nab top Chechen warlord, Shamil Basayev, accused of many terrorist attacks in the country in which hundreds of people were killed.

Giving details of the operation, Chechen President Alu Alkhanov told mediapersons that Basayev and his accomplice Doku Umarov were believed to be hiding in the highland, south of Chechen capital.

Itar-Tass quoted Mr Alkhanov as saying, ''Pinpointed events are being carried out in several directions. This special round-the-clock operation involves the republic's law-enforcement agencies and specialised units of federal forces.'' Meanwhile, Chechen Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov said over 7,000 militants have surrendered since the beginning of anti-terrorist operation in 1999.

''We have managed to persuade over 7,000 militants to surrender since the armed actions began in the republic,'' he said.

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