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Russia to Reduce Troops in Chechnya
Russia is planning a large-scale withdrawal of both troops and heavy arms from Chechnya, the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces announced Friday.
"A significant number of heavy arms will be pulled out of the republic to their permanent bases," it said after President Vladimir Putin ordered to draw up plans on cutting back federal forces in Chechnya.
"Federal forces have accomplished their task of destroying large-, medium- and small-sized rebel groups, and now face missions to tackle individual rebel groups and their leaders," it added.
Assuring withdrawal of the troops, the General Staff said it is still premature to consider a complete pullout. In addition, the 42nd infantry division will be permanently stationed in Chechnya.
It said a reduction in the interior forces is also expected, though on a smaller scale, since "the police force ... is responsible for enforcing laws, keeping order and protecting civilian from terrorists acts."
The police staff sent from other regions to Chechnya will be replaced by local residents in phases, according to the General Staff.
The army, security agencies and the police have worked out a detailed troop-reduction plan and will shortly submit it to Putin for approval, it said.
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