NALCHIK, June 1 (RIA Novosti) - A senior Russian official said there is evidence that militants who attacked the capital of a North Caucasus republic in 2005 were linked to Western secret services.
"We have information suggesting that those who attempted an armed revolt in Nalchik in 2005... colluded with Western secret services, with the aim of destabilizing the republic [of Kabardino-Balkaria]," Deputy Interior Minister Arkady Yedelyov said.
He said that the ringleaders, whose last names are known to be Astemirov and Mukozhev, had until recently been reported to be living somewhere in Kabardino-Balkaria.
"As long they are at large and fighting, we will not rest," Yedelyov said.
A large group of separatist gunmen attacked Nalchik October 13, 2005, killing 35 policemen and 12 civilians and wounding over 100 people. The police struck back on the following day, killing 92 gunmen and dispersing others.
