As part of restructuring of Chechen resistance movement, deputy PM Zakaev empowered as chief Chechen negotiator. At least 22 Russian and Russian-backed Chechen forces killed in separate incidents across Chechnya; rebel commander Akhmad Avdorkhanov killed 12 September.

Local pro-Russian security forces continued to be primary target of attacks by separatist rebels and criminal gangs: 19 soldiers, 3 police killed in various incidents. Explosion at Chechen government official’s home injured 6, while car bomb outside Grozny government compound killed 2. Abdul-Khalim Sadulaev appointed radical Chechen terrorist Shamil Basaev, purported mastermind of Beslan siege, as deputy PM in Chechen rebel leadership.

Escalation of attacks by Chechen rebels on pro-Russian security forces in Chechnya and neighbouring Dagestan killed over 40 officers, 4 civilians, 8 rebels. In worst attack rebels destroyed police bus 19 July, killing 15 in Znamenskoye, north of Grozny. President Putin visited Dagestan capital 15 July, urging tougher action against insurgents: police later arrested 150, including security officers, in reported dismantling of militant network. Residents of Chechen village raided by Russian soldiers last month fled again to Dagestan, fearing for safety. Russia announced Chechnya to hold parliamentary elections 27 November.

Controversial “sweep” operation in Chechen village by Russian army unit caused 1,000 ethnic Avars to flee to Dagestan border. Presidential envoy Dmitrii Kozak condemned raid, which killed 2 and left 11 men missing presumed dead. String of bombings within Dagestan wounded at least 9, including 7 police. North Ossetian President Aleksandr Dzasokhov stepped down after talks with Kozak; mothers of children killed in Beslan started hunger strike to protest new Kremlin nominee Teymuraz Mamsurov.

Russian forces reportedly killed Alash Daudov, third on most wanted list, and former rebel vice president, Vakha Arsanov. Mass protests held in Grozny after acquittal of Russian officers accused of murdering 6 civilians; verdict also criticised in Russia. Pro-Moscow Chechen President Alu Alkhanov revealed plans to hold local parliamentary elections in November. Chechen warlord Doku Umarov reiterated pledge to spread war outside of Chechen territory.

Violence continued as 5 Russian special forces troops and 7 rebels reportedly killed in Grozny 15 April. EU sent first ever fact-finding mission to Chechnya to investigate ways of implementing reconstruction aid; concluded work beyond immediate humanitarian relief now feasible. EU Commission approved €22.5 million in humanitarian aid for North Caucasus, which continues to be plagued by instability: 4 Islamist militants and 1 policeman died in shootout in republic of Kabardino-Balkaria; meanwhile, police in Nazran, Ingushetia, used force to break up protest against Ingushetian president.

President Vladimir Putin said Russia to build up forces in North Caucasus after major rebel attack in Ingushetia, which borders Chechnya, killed close to 100, including Ingush interior minister. Between 200 and 300 insurgents struck police stations and public buildings in 3 towns night of 21-22 June. Russia blamed Chechen rebels, but identity of attackers unclear: some reportedly spoke Ingush. In Chechnya, May assassination of President Akhmad Kadyrov has left power vacuum. Alu Alkhanov, Kadyrov’s relatively unknown interior minister, tapped as Moscow’s choice to replace him. Election set for 29 August.

Separatist president Aslan Maskhadov lost third major ally in 2 months as Shaa Turlaev, head of Mashkadov's personal guard, reportedly surrendered to Russian officials. Assassination attempt on president of neighbouring republic of Ingushetiya failed 6 April; Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev claimed responsibility. UN Commission on Human Rights voted against EU-sponsored resolution condemning Russian abuses in Chechnya.

Russian government said Vladimir Putin won 94% of votes in high turnout in Chechnya for presidential election, sharply contradicting reports from observers who noted mostly empty polling stations. Chechen separatist president Aslan Maskhadov severely weakened by recent loss of 2 most powerful allies: field commander Ruslan Gelaev killed by Russian border troops 28 February, while separatist defence minister Magomed Khambiev surrendered to pro-Moscow Chechen forces 8 March, reportedly after family taken hostage.

Authorities blamed Chechen rebels for 6 February Moscow subway bomb, which killed 39 according to officials, though toll likely much higher. Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov denied claims and condemned attack. Former president Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev killed in Qatar car bombing 13 February. Two Russian agents detained, prompting protests from Moscow.