There is no doubt that this wave of terrorism is linked to the conflict in Dagestan.
In its September 13 issue, the weekly "Novaya Gazeta" explains that many terrorist groups, including those consisting of former Russian servicemen recruited by the leaders of the Chechen war, left Chechnya at the end of August, heading for Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don.
A dozen explosions, the newspaper adds, are programmed for the future.
The editor-in-chief of this newspaper, who has numerous contacts in Chechnya and Dagestan, claims that he received information from one of these terrorists.
The FSB claims that it had no opportunity to obtain confirmation of this information.
Emergency Security Measures and Denials
15.09.99. Moscow falls into psychosis from new terrorist attacks (Francois Bonnet)
200 calls from citizens to the FSB about "bombs"
On Monday, a few hours after the explosion, an FSB representative explained that "another explosion of the same type" was prevented because law enforcement forces discovered dozens of bags of explosives in a certain basement.
Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Rushailo further stated on Tuesday that many tons of explosives were discovered in Moscow, including 3,800 kg of them in one cache.
"Special regime"
If the investigation is treading water, there is no doubt for the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs that these explosions were organized by the leaders of the Islamic insurgency in Dagestan, where battles against Russian troops continue.
"What happened is the work of Basaev and Khattab, the work of their people," Vladimir Rushailo assured.
Chechen commander Shamil Basaev categorically denied his involvement in these terrorist attacks.
Public Reaction and Political Speculation
16.09.99. Muscovites, "dark-skinned" people and the psychosis of terrorist attacks (Francois Bonnet)
Measures against "culs noirs" - black asses
On the radio, the Minister of Internal Affairs explains that 3.8 tons of explosives were discovered in one building and that another terrorist attack was prevented at the last moment.
In addition to the authorities, Muscovites are organizing.
One resident asserts that pensioners are trying to engage in "visiting basements and stairwells."
Another explains that his neighbors pooled their money and demanded that the kiosk worker on the corner, who sells bread, beer, and vodka, supervise those passing back and forth on the street.
A third regrets the almost complete disappearance of "support groups," those neighborhood agents who in Soviet times ensured the maintenance of buildings in order—and supervision of their inhabitants...
Basaev and Khattab deny: Certain clans in the heart of power—have they chosen a strategy of terror to plunge the country into chaos and derail the electoral process?
On Wednesday, the silliest rumors swelled. The Moscow Mayor's Office announced the discovery of a truck equipped with "1.8 tons of explosive substances."
Many Muscovites asked no other question than: where did the nearest bomb explode?
Military Escalation
19-20.09.99. Russia threatens Chechnya with a large-scale military offensive
The army is concentrating forces and bombing the independentist Republic.
In Moscow, the investigation into the terrorist attacks seems to be progressing, while the "hunt for faces" against Caucasians continues (Francois Bonnet).
Numerous military sources announced on Friday, September 17, that the Russian Ministry of Defense considers itself ready to enter into a "large-scale operation" against "bandits" on the territory of Chechnya.
A significant part of the Russian political class insistently demands urgent measures to normalize the situation in the North Caucasus, viewed as the hotbed of the terrorist attacks that have struck the country.
"The great fire of the situation must be stopped by the use of force," Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov just stated.
The Russian police at the same time stated on Friday that it