RussiaRussian security forces yesterday seized a truck packed with explosives in Chechnya, heightening fears of a terror strike at Monday's second World War Victory in Europe Day celebrations in Moscow. And in a separate discovery Russian forces say they have uncovered a plan by Chechen rebels to target reservoirs with poison.
The truck was stopped in a routine search in the embattled province. Inside, police found more than a tonne of explosives under a blue tarpaulin and connected to a remote-control detonator. The destination of the truck is not known, but police said they believe rebels planned for a suicide-bomber to drive it into a high-profile target .
A similar tactic was used last summer when a truck packed with explosives was rammed into a stadium, then detonated, killing pro-Moscow Chechen president Akhmad Kadyrov as he watched a military parade.
The discovery heightens worries that Chechen rebels may strike at Monday's VE day anniversary in Moscow's Red Square. The ceremony, marking the 60th anniversary of the Nazi surrender and with it, the formal end to hostilities in Europe, is one of the largest gatherings of international dignitaries ever assembled in the city, with more than 53 heads of state attending, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The poison operation was found by chance after security forces overran a rebel base in fighting in Chechnya earlier this week. Specially made containers holding cyanide-based substances were found hidden in the village, said the FSB security service. "The use of these strong-acting poisons in small doses in highly-populated areas, key installations and in reservoirs could have caused a large number of victims," a government statement said.
Moscow said an extreme faction of the rebels, named Alash Daudor, were responsible for the truck bomb. It also links the group to last year's slaying of 310 children and adults in Beslan High School.
Moscow has already been turned into a virtual fortress in advance of Monday's festivities, with security officials conscious of the difficulty of protecting so many dignitaries.
Armed police and special forces in blue and white tiger striped uniforms are already guarding intersections and metro stations across central areas of the Russian capital.
Army units are also deployed near airports to prevent attacks on aircraft bringing in the delegations. For the VE Day ceremony on Monday the entire centre of the city will be closed, with residents urged to stay indoors and traffic blocked.
Red Square has been shut to visitors since the start of the week. But there is only so much security forces can do in a city of 12 million people.
While the Kremlin can be protected, guarding all the traffic arteries, airports and hotels and embassies where the dignitaries will be staying is a huge task.
Chechen rebels, meanwhile, signalled their hostility to the victory ceremony in a statement on their website.