Counterterrorism in Dagestan: 15 CTOs in 2009

Last year, power agencies 15 times introduced the counterterrorist operation (CTO) regime in different localities of Dagestan, in addition to many operations of counteracting terrorism and extremism. This is supported by analysis of the archives of the "Caucasian Knot" and open sources.

In 2009, in Dagestan, skirmishes, combat collisions, attacks on power agents and explosions happened almost daily. The "Caucasian Knot" knows that last year the republic was the venue of 128 skirmishes of suspected militants with power agents, including attacks and bombardments of power agents by members of the armed underground. Last year, 60 terror acts were committed in Dagestan, and at least 40 more were prevented.

At least 427 persons died or suffered in these incidents, of them 51 peaceful residents perished and 39 persons who had nothing to do with militants or power agents were injured.

In 2009, media reported about 22 kidnappings; 17 of them were confirmed by human rights activists of the HRC "Memorial", in two more cases, according to the Centre, disappearances happened. 10 kidnapped persons were killed, four - released, and the fate of five of them is still unknown.