| Magomed Khambiyev, an aide to Chechnya’s rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov, surrendered to Russian forces, Interfax reported, citing Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov and Russian military officials. ``It is a lethal blow on Aslan Maskhadov,’’ Kadyrov said late yesterday in Chechnya’s capital, Grozny, as cited by Interfax. ``Khambiyev was his nearest associate, who remained faithful to him until the last moment. Khambiyev’s surrender actually means the end of Maskhadov.’’ Khambiyev and his deputy surrendered after negotiations in the village of Benoi, Interfax said, citing Ramzan Kadyrov, chief of the Chechen presidential security service. He didn’t say when the men gave themselves up. |