Chechen observers doubt of militants' involvement in terror act at Gazprom office in Moscow

The statement that appeared in separatists' websites that the explosion committed on August 9 near the Gazprom office in Moscow was organized by a group of suicide bombers "Riyadus Salikhiin" (Righteous' Gardens) is causing serious doubts in local observers.

"The statement of the 'Riyadus Salikhiin' grouping, controlled by Dokku Umarov, that the explosion at the Gazprom office in Moscow was committed by militants with the aim to show the Kremlin that the Caucasian war is now transferred to officials' houses and offices looks like an ordinary PR action," said the head of one of local NGOs, who preferred to remain anonymous.

According to the source of the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, militants received no political or military benefits from the terror act at the Gazprom building.

"In fact, Dokku Umarov has lost the rests of his influence and authority among the bandit underground after his recently announced retirement and later return to the position of Amir. In such conditions, he has no other choice but to take responsibility for any explosions, technogenic accidents and emergencies wherever they happen," said Ismail D., a power agent.