Rebels have launched attacks on at least three towns in the southern Russian region of Ingushetia, on the western border of Chechnya. According to an official in the presidential office of Ingushetia reached by CNN, the attacks appear to be coordinated and have hit three towns: the Ingush capital of Nazran, Karabulak, and Sleptsovsk. The official told CNN the situation was "not good," gunfire could be heard and communication with the Interior Ministry headquarters had been cut off. Several buildings have been attacked including the Interior Ministry, the Federal Security Service and the headquarters of the Border Guards. Ammunition depots are on fire, he said. He could not confirm reports that the acting Interior Minister had been killed.
A civilian reached by CNN who lives about 5 kilometers outside Nazran said residents there had been hearing explosions and gunfire since about 11pm local time. Russian Interior Ministry troops are fighting the rebels and reinforcements have been brought in, according to Interfax news agency. Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, travelling in Russia’s Far East, told reporters that he did not have detailed information about events unfolding in Ingushetia but said "there are sufficient forces in the region to stop such attacks."
| Which is why they brought in reinforcements. |
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