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Riyadus-Salikhin Reconnaissance and Sabotage Battalion of Chechen Martyrs (RSRSBCM)

Description

One of three terrorist groups affiliated with Chechen guerrillas that furnished personnel to carry out the seizure of the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow on 23 October 2002. The suicide attackers took more than 800 hostages, whom they threatened to kill if the Russian Government did not meet their demands, including the withdrawal of Russian forces from Chechnya. The RSRSBCM—whose name translates into English as “Requirements for Getting into Paradise”—was not known to Western observers before the seizure. Chechen extremist leader Shamil Basayev, who claimed responsibility for ordering the seizure, continues to lead the RSRSBCM.

Activities

Primarily guerrilla operations against Russian forces.

Strength

Probably no more than 50 fighters at any given time.

Location/Area of Operations

Primarily Chechnya.

External Aid

May receive some external assistance from foreign mujahidin.

Sources and Resources



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http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/riyadus.htm
Created by John Pike
Maintained by Steven Aftergood
Updated May 1, 2003