It appears we Russians have been worried over nothing in Chechnya and the North Caucasus.  According to a report filed on Grani.ru quoting FSB director Alexander Bortnikov (right photo), reports of the rapidly escalating political crisis are vastly overstated:  “The situation in Chechnya after the lifting of the counterterrorist operation regime is found under control,” he said, while noting the influence of siloviki agencies has risen significantly.  “By their actions, [the siloviki agencies] are contributing to the normalization of activity in the region.“

Another Grani.ru story reported that that a key Chechen rebel leader, Doku Umarov, is believed to have been wounded in a recent attack.  According to State Duma Deputy Adam Delimkhanov, Umarov may have been wounded during a spetz operation on the border between Chechnya and Ingushetia.  Despite losing four bodyguards, the rebel leader was able to abscond.  After the military operation had already wiped out some 29 rebel bases, Delimkhanov was pushing for the operation to continue until the capture of Umarov.

In the midst of this violent crisis, several questions arise upon hearing these statements from Bortnikov and Delimkhanov.