Russia Ends Chechen Counterterrorism Operation

Chechens danced in the streets and waved flags to celebrate Russia's decision Thursday to end its decadelong counterterrorism operation in the war-weary southern region.

Young people dance celebrating the cancellation of the counterterrorism regime in Chechnya, in the...

Young people dance celebrating the cancellation of the counterterrorism regime in Chechnya, in the regional capital Grozny, Chechnya, Thursday, April 16, 2009. Russia on Thursday ordered an end to its counterterrorism regime in Chechnya, a move that could lead to the withdrawal of tens of thousands of troops from the southern republic battered by two separatist wars in the past 15 years. (AP Photo/Musa Sadulayev)

(AP)

The order by President Dmitry Medvedev paves the way for the withdrawal of tens of thousands of federal troops, whose presence has been hugely unpopular amid allegations of widespread abuses against civilians.

The counterterrorism operation — launched at the start of the second of two separatist wars that have battered the region in the last 15 years — involved curfews and limits on civilian air flights and limited access for journalists, among other measures.

Its cancellation boosted the authority of the region's Kremlin-backed President Ramzan Kadyrov, who joined several thousand people Thursday in dancing in a square in central Grozny.

Motorists blared horns and waved Chechen and Russian flags from car windows, as schools and a university interrupted classes to let students to join celebrations.

"I'm very happy that the horrible years we saw will never come back," said 21-year-old student Isa Musayev. "We spent those years in constant fear for our lives."

Kadyrov, who has steadily strengthened his grip on power since his election in 2007, had long pushed for an end to counterterrorism operation in order to reduce federal military presence in Chechnya and remove restrictions which hampered trade.

"This is a victory over evil which we have fought over the last 15 years," Kadyrov said in a statement. "A peaceful and prosperous Chechen Republic in the united family of peoples of Russia — that is our strategic course for the future."

He said the airport in Groznny would soon be opened for international flights and foreign trade, which he said would help attract investors from Arab nations and Europe.

Kadyrov, whose election was choreographed by the Kremlin, has gained increasing popularity among Chechens as he has won more economic freedom for the region and brought many militants into line.