Russian forces have killed another Turkish fighter in Chechnya, triggering renewed ire against Ankara for failing to stop its citizens joining the separatist struggle. "One fighter was killed on 2 February during an operation carried out by federal special forces in the Chechen republic," Russian news agencies quoted the Kremlin press office as saying on Thursday. The dead fighter held a Turkish passport bearing the name of Ziya Pece. A grenade launcher and a gun were found near his body.
At least seven Turkish fighters were killed by Russian forces in Chechnya last year. The latest killing prompted a senior Russian defence ministry official to renew criticism of Turkey for failing to prevent its nationals from infiltrating Chechnya and fighting on the separatists’ side. "We keep killing armed Turkish citizens on Chechen territory," the official said. "Turkey, which is a NATO member, is not taking the necessary steps to prevent fighters from infiltrating Russia, which is itself a partner of NATO and an active member of the international anti-terrorist coalition." Moscow last month upbraided Turkey for failing to act decisively against organisations and individuals who have provided backing to Chechen fighters.
This is al-Jazeera, so God knows if this statement is accurate or not, though the Turks seem to have cracked down pretty hard on the jihadi infrastructure in their country. Guess they still have some work to do ... |