The North Caucasus: Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia

[Jedburgh]

CSRC, 27 Nov 07: North Caucasus: Advent of Mountain Brigades

Key Points

* President Putin conceived the concept of mountain brigades in August 2004 to improve security along the southern Russian border and counter cross-border violations.

* President Putin also stipulated that the infrastructure envisaged for the mountain brigades: roads, electricity, water and gas must also serve the inhabitants of Botlikh (Daghestan) and Zelenchukskaya (Karachayevo-Cherkessia).

* Whilst construction of new barracks is almost complete, the recruitment, manning and training of personnel is more difficult. It is unlikely that the brigades will be fully operational until the end of 2008.

Complete 23 page paper at the link.