20000219

1,500 Russian

soldiers killed

in Chechnya

MOSCOW: Russian forces lost some 1,500 servicemen during the military operations in Dagestan and Chechnya, Deputy Chief of Staff General Valery Manilov said on Thursday.

"Even though we tried to minimise our losses, this was not always possible," he said.

Citing Manilov, ITAR-TASS reported that over 200 settlements had been "liberated" in Chechnya, 80 percent of which were left undamaged.

"Russians are aware of this and therefore support our campaign despite efforts by the West to reverse public opinion. That is why 30 percent of our troops are not on compulsory military service, but work on contract."

The general said that there had been 62 gangs of 3,500 persons operating in Chechnya who specialised in the hostage-taking of 1,500 Russians and more than 10,000 ethnic Chechens.

"The secret services have been ordered to take dead or alive the gang leaders Shamil Basayev and Khattab," Manilov said, referring to the two top warlords.

"Terrorism has become the main feature of the regime that we are now liquidating in Chechnya."

Moscow said last week there were still 11 foreign hostages missing in Chechnya.ÑAFP