During a recent visit officials put the number at 51. A few had had their throats cut. The Russians say they were guerrillas killed in combat. Chechen law enforcement sources are convinced that they were the by-product of the zachistki. The raids may happen once a month, but passing through the 20-odd heavily fortified checkpoints in the city is a daily source of tension.
Guerrillas have little problem getting through.
The effect of all this is to make the presidency of Aslan Maskhadov seem a happy memory. For the last year he has been on the run, traveling with about 30 bodyguards, rarely staying anywhere for more than a few days, keeping in touch with commanders by satellite phone. Many of his generals have been killed, wounded or captured. But now young guerrillas in Grozny are sounding increasingly confident. They speak of a new offensive to recapture Grozny and other major cities later this year.