Russia Stages Military Exercises In Restive South

Russian Interior Ministry officer (file photo) (RFE/RL)

April 24, 2006 -- Russia launched major military exercises near Chechnya today, involving 32,000 personnel.

Russian NTV television reports that troops from the Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry, and special services practiced repelling large-scale guerrilla operations, preventing terrorist attacks, and freeing hostages.

The channel said this is the biggest exercise of its kind in years.

(AP, AFP)