In Kabardino-Balkaria, three militants linked to the Shamil Basayev and Khattab factions were detained in connection with the 2000 attack that claimed the lives of 84 Pskov paratroopers. The authorities, including the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation and the Investigative Committee, announced the detentions as part of ongoing efforts to address past and present acts of terrorism and violent crime tied to regional insurgent networks.
The FSB identified the detainees as Batyrov Anzor, Kazanchev Aslanbek, and Nakusov Taimuraz. They were captured in different locations within the region, including the villages of Baksan, Chegem, and Nartan, and are described as active members of the so-called Kabardin Community, a term used to reference a local militant grouping with connections to the broader Islamist insurgent landscape encountered in the North Caucasus during that period.
According to the Investigative Committee, all three suspects are currently in a pre-trial detention center. They are expected to be charged in the near term under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Reported charges include armed hooliganism, armed riot, and violent offenses against law enforcement personnel, among others relevant to the case. The exact timing of the arrests has not been publicly disclosed by officials.
The Pskov tragedy from 2000 involved a deadly confrontation between security forces and militants during clashes in the Shatoi district of Chechnya. The operations extended from February 29 to March 1, culminating in the deaths of 84 paratroopers who were serving in harsh terrain under combat conditions. This event remains a stark reminder of the brutal episodes that swept through the North Caucasus during the early years of the Chechen conflict.
In the aftermath, many paratroopers received posthumous honors in recognition of their service and sacrifice. Twenty-one servicemen were awarded the title of Hero of Russia posthumously, while another 63 soldiers and officers were decorated with the Order of Courage after their untimely deaths. These recognitions reflect the gravity of the events and the enduring impact on families and military communities.
Over the years, investigative and judicial processes linked to the wider network of militants from that era have led to numerous prosecutions and long prison terms. The pursuit of those responsible for the Pskov incident and related actions has continued as part of Russia’s broader counterterrorism efforts, with authorities emphasizing accountability and the legal process as central to resolving long-standing security concerns.
In related reporting, there have been updates noting the death of one member of Basayev’s group during operations connected to attacks on paratroopers along strategic high points such as Hill 776. This development is cited in ongoing summaries of the conflict and its long tail of legal and security ramifications, illustrating how a single event can connect to a wider tapestry of militant activity and state response.