Terrorist siege of school in Beslan, North Ossetia, ended catastrophically 3 September, with at least 339 children and adults killed. Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev claimed responsibility. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by ordering massive recentralisation of power in Kremlin and increased security spending; appointed aide Dimitri Kozak to oversee North Caucasus. Russian colonel convicted 2003 of murdering young Chechen woman withdrew pardon request after outraged demonstrations in Grozny.

Surge of violence in Russia around 29 August presidential elections in Chechnya raised fears of new phase in conflict. Crashes of 2 Russian jetliners 24 August attributed to terrorism, as Russian investigators announced traces of explosives found in wrecks. Extremist group allegedly linked to al Qaeda claimed responsibility, but claim uncorroborated. Investigators focused on 2 female passengers – both apparently Chechens. Moscow suicide bomber killed 9 day after election; 2 days later, gunmen seized school in southern Russia, holding up to 400 hostages. Kremlin favourite General Alu Alkhanov won Chechen election, reportedly receiving nearly 74% of vote. Turnout said to have been over 85%, though observers noted empty polling stations. Dozens killed in rebel offensive in and around Grozny 21 August.

Seven candidates registered for Chechnya’s 29 August presidential election, including Chechen interior minister and Kremlin favourite Alu Alkhanov. Businessman Malik Saidullaev, lone serious threat to Alkhanov, disqualified by Moscow on technicality. Major clash between rebels and forces loyal to Ramzan Kadyrov, son of assassinated president Akhmad Kadyrov, left dozens dead 12-13 July. Rebel leader Shamil Basayev claimed responsibility for - and reportedly participated in - June attack in neighbouring Ingushetia, which killed close to 100. Assassination attempt on acting Chechen president Sergei Abramov failed 13 July.

Pro-Kremlin Chechen president Akhmad Kadyrov assassinated 9 May in bomb attack at Grozny stadium. Radical field commander Shamil Basayev claimed responsibility, though conspiracy theories rife. New elections set for 29 August. PM Sergei Abramov acting as head of state - not expected to run in elections. Kadyrov's 27-year-old son and chief of security forces, Ramzan, named deputy PM, but said will not contest constitutional age limit prohibiting presidential candidates under 30.