17 March 2004, 14:02
Nine Russian servicemen taken prisoners in Chechnya
Rebels encircled a group of federal forces in the mountains of the Itum-Kali district, Chechnya. "As the Russian soldiers saw the despair of the situation, they decided to surrender," reported Chechen separatists' website. According to the Chechens' information, the federals put up no resistance. There are no reports on the further destiny of the captives.
At the same time, the Russian military command reports nothing at all on the capture of soldiers in Chechnya.
To be added, the Russian soldiers were reportedly captured in the Itum-Kali district three days ago, that is to say, on the day of the presidential election.
Source: Ekho Moskvy Radio
