Grozny, 19 August 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Russian media today reported that a pro-Moscow official has been gunned down in the breakaway republic of Chechnya. Khizir Tumaev, head of the local administration in the village of Kalinovskaya, was severely injured yesterday night during a shootout with a group of unidentified assailants. He died of his wounds on the way to hospital.
Kalinovskaya is located some 30 kilometers north of the Chechen capital Grozny.
In separate news, the Russian military command today said that federal forces have killed 39 Chechen fighters in the past 48 hours. The report could not be independently confirmed.
Kalinovskaya is located some 30 kilometers north of the Chechen capital Grozny.
In separate news, the Russian military command today said that federal forces have killed 39 Chechen fighters in the past 48 hours. The report could not be independently confirmed.