Unknown Gunmen Attack Russian Military Convoy in Chechnya, Killing One Serviceman

On October 24, a military convoy of Russia‘s National Guard was attacked by unknown gunmen near the village of Petropavlovskaya in the Groznensky District of the Chechen Republic. The incident, which occurred on the outskirts of the Chechen capital Grozny, resulted in the death of one serviceman and the wounding of another.

The attack was described as rapid and well-coordinated, with the attackers fleeing the scene before security forces arrived. A local resident, speaking anonymously, indicated that there were multiple attackers involved, although the exact number and descriptions of the gunmen remain unknown.

This incident comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, particularly following Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov‘s declaration of a blood feud against several Russian politicians. Kadyrov accused these politicians of plotting his assassination and involvement in other recent violent incidents, including a shooting in Moscow.

Rosgvardia, Russia’s National Guard, has been leading internal security operations in the North Caucasus region, which has long been plagued by insurgencies and separatist activities. In response to the attack, the region’s leadership has increased patrols and set up checkpoints to enhance security.

The Chechen Republic has a complex and tumultuous history, marked by bloody wars in the 1990s and early 2000s. Since then, Ramzan Kadyrov has ruled the region, securing significant financial support from Moscow in exchange for his loyalty to President Vladimir Putin.