Kavkaz Center reported from Chechnya, referring to Commander Basayev's assistant, Amir Abu-Muslim, that on February 14 Commander Shamil Basayev got married in one of the cities of Krasnodar Territory (Southern Russia) where he was undergoing treatment at a health resort. Commander's assistant explained that this is the reason why Mr. Basayev did not attend the Command meeting in Chechen capital Jokhar (former Grozny) in mid-January.
The rumors about absence of Commander Basayev (Abdullah Shamil Abu Idris) during the Command session in Jokhar served as the reasons for making statements about his alleged death. These statements were made by representatives of the invaders' command and by some local puppets.
It is Shamil Basayev's third marriage. His new wife is hereditary Cossack and a sister of one of the Chechen Fighters (Mujahideen). Several Commanders from Adygea, Cherkessk, as well as from Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories and Rostov Province (Southern Russia) attended the wedding ceremony. With them Shamil discussed the situation in the Caucasus and methods of expanding the Jihad.
Also, earlier he conducted a few meetings with the Fighters in Adygea and Krasnodar Territory, where he reworked some of the organizational issues. According to what Commander Abu-Muslim said, Shamil stated that he "combined what is pleasant with what is useful, and God Willing (Insha Allah), this year Jihad will spread all across the Caucasus."
The other day Commander Basayev successfully returned to Chechnya with his young wife. |