The report confirms Russian claims on Saturday that federal troops had entered the town in western Chechnya, which was a key separatist hideout during the last conflict opposing Russia and the breakaway republic (1994-1996).

Abdulmuslimov confirmed that Chechen military units "fought off three attacks by Russian troops who were trying to take control of Bamut." Russian forces have been pounding the town with bombs and artillery fire for several weeks. Bamut, nicknamed the "immortal fortress" by Chechen troops, is famed for its resistance during the last conflict. The Russians made several attempts to seize the town, but did not succeed in wresting control until May 1996.