Shamil Basayev

Shamil Salmanovich Basayev (Russian: ?????? ?????????? ??????) (born January 14, 1965) is a Chechen leading an armed group acting in the north Caucasus region of Russia, principally in Chechnya. Although some call him a "separatist" for his goal of achieving independence from Russia, many call him a "terrorist" for his intentional killing of unarmed civilians, including women and children. Since 2003, Basayev has also used the pseudonym and title Abdallah Shamil Abu-Idris, "Amir of the Brigade of Shahids 'Riyadus Salihiin'".

Basayev and the First Chechen War

Baseyev's military experience was soon put to use when Russian forces invaded Chechnya on December 11, 1994 to restore Russian rule in the republic. The First Chechen War was a disaster for the Russians, who lost thousands of troops and had to resort to massive bombardments in the face of fierce opposition from the Chechens. Basayev came to international prominence in June 1995 when he led a hostage-taking raid at Budyonnovsk in southern Russia. 2,000 hostages were taken at a hospital, but 150 of them died when Russian forces stormed the building; Basayev himself managed to escape, after negotiations with the Russian army.

Related Topics:
December 11 - 1994 - First Chechen War - 1995 - Hostage-taking raid - Budyonnovsk - Russia

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By 1996, he had been promoted to Commander of the Chechen Armed Forces. In August 1996, he led a successful operation to retake the Chechen capital Grozny. The Russian defence collapsed and the Yeltsin government sued for peace, bringing in former General Aleksandr Lebed as a negotiator. A peace agreement was concluded between the Chechens and Russians, under which the Chechens acquired de facto independence from Russia. He stepped down from his military position in December 1996 to run for president in Chechnya's first presidential election. He came second, obtaining 23.5% of the votes.

Related Topics:
1996 - Grozny - Aleksandr Lebed

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Around January 1, 1998 he was appointed prime minister of Chechnya by president Aslan Maskhadov for a six month term, after which he resigned.

Related Topics:
January 1 - 1998 - Aslan Maskhadov

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