| Security forces have launched raids against | | | | especially given the new operation now underway |
| suspected Islamic militants in the southern Russian | | | | in Nalchik, but his office is seeking to finalize |
| city, Nalchik, where militants attacked government | | | | information soon. |
| buildings and police station, last week. More than | | | | Nalchik is the capital of Kabardino-Balkariya, one of |
| 100 people were killed in clashes between troops | | | | seven ethnically-diverse regions that include |
| and militants last week. | | | | Chechnya. |
| Russian security forces in Nalchik say they are | | | | The militants are reported to belong to a local |
| searching for suspected militants who may still be | | | | group that has links with Chechen warlord Shamil |
| in hiding after last week's deadly attacks. | | | | Basayev, who has claimed responsibility for |
| Gunfire has been heard in various parts of the | | | | coordinating last week's attacks. |
| city and local media have broadcast | | | | In a statement on a rebel website, Mr. Basayev |
| announcements for people to stay in their homes. | | | | says the attacks were carried out by local |
| City schools have been closed. | | | | militants and not by Chechens. |
| One man was reported killed, early Tuesday, | | | | His statement cannot be independently verified. |
| when he refused a policeman's order to show | | | | But analysts say there have long been indications |
| documents and tried to raise a rifle from under | | | | that separate militant cells have been created |
| his jacket. | | | | throughout the turbulent Caucasus Mountain |
| Troops and police are searching various buildings | | | | region. |
| where they think other gunmen may be hiding. | | | | Many blame the rise of militancy on the strict |
| Officials say at least 137 people, including dozens | | | | policies of Kabardinos former governor, who |
| of civilians, were killed after militants launched | | | | closed almost all of mosques in the region and |
| coordinated attacks on government buildings and | | | | banned Islamic organizations. |
| police stations last Thursday. | | | | A new governor took power in September. |
| The deputy prosecutor-general in the North | | | | Monday he pledged to take measure to address |
| Caucasus region, Nikolai Shepel, says work is | | | | grievances that may have contributed to the |
| underway to corroborate the extent of casualties. | | | | violence. |
| Mr. Shepel says it is hard to get precise figures, | | | | |