Russia Uses Text Messages To Contact Chechen Rebels
Reuters
GROZNY — Russia’s intelligence services have found a new way of getting a surrender appeal to Chechen separatist rebels — they are sending it on mobile phones by SMS text message.
Mobile phone subscribers in Ingushetia, which neighbours Chechnya, have begun receiving SMS messages from Russia’s state anti-terrorist committee urging rebels to take up an offer to disarm in exchange for a fair trial.
The message provides four telephone numbers for rebels to call to negotiate an end to “their participation in illegal armed groups”.
State security (FSB) officials last month set an Aug. 1 deadline for rebels to put down their arms and start negotiating with authorities as a first step towards re-entry into normal life. That deadline has since been extended until Sept. 30.
Moscow stepped up pressure on rebels to disarm after Russian forces killed top Chechen rebel commander Shamil Basayev on July 10, telling them to “listen to reason and look truth in the eyes”.
Many fighters involved in the Chechen insurgency have fled into Ingushetia, where they often operate alongside local rebel groups also opposed to Moscow’s rule.
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