Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev, Russia's most wanted man, has been killed, head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in Moscow yesterday.

 

Basayev and a number of other militants were killed during a special operation in the North Caucasus region of Ingushetia, FSB chief Nikolai Patrushev was quoted by Interfax News Agency as saying when making a report to President Vladimir Putin.

 

The militants "plotted a terrorist attack in Ingushetia in an attempt to put pressure on the leadership of Russia during the period when the G8 summit is due to take place," Patrushev said.

 

Basayev's killing was the fallout of a Kamaz truck explosion in Ingushetia this morning, said Ingush Deputy Prime Minister Bashir Aushev, who is responsible for the republic's law enforcement agencies.

 

"There were several motor cars with militants next to the Kamaz truck, including Basayev," Interfax quoted Aushev as saying.

 

"After the explosion, body parts were collected. Basayev was identified through the body parts. As far as I know, he was identified by the head," Aushev said, adding that "all his characteristic features are there."

 

Another five militants were killed in the sweep operation. The militants arrived in Ingushetia to collect arms.

 

"The militants were at the very top of the terrorist structure responsible for sabotages. They were the most notorious figures in illegal armed groups," he said.

 

No law enforcement official was killed in the operation. "Two civilians were injured but there is no threat to their lives," Aushev said.

 

Putin extended his gratitude to "all officers of special operations units who prepared and carried out the operation." He ordered Patrushev to present awards to all participants in the sweep operation.

 

The killing of terrorist Basayev practically concludes the counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya, Chechen President Alu Alkhanov said.

 

Basayev, the most wanted terrorist by the Russian government, had claimed responsibility for the 2004 Beslan school hostage-taking attack, in which more than 330 people were killed and over 700 others wounded.

 

He is also believed to be the planner of the 2002 hostage-taking assault on a theater in southeast Moscow, which claimed 170 lives.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2006)