On June 15, 1995 Chechen field commander Shamil Basayev with approximately 200 rebels crossed over into Russian territory and committed the greatest hostage taking operation in history. The rebels, packed 70 each with weapons and ammunition in three large vans penetrated 120 kilometers into Russian territory before they were stopped by traffice police on a routine check. The police then, unwittingly, escorted the small convoy to the station in the center of the town of Budyonnovsk, population 100,000. Upon arrival, the rebels stormed and successfully occupied the police station and then methodically gathered hostages as they made their way on foot across town to the local hospital. Here they made their stronghold with 2000 hostages. Their stated goal: a ceasefire in the war against Chechnya's bid for independence from Russia and the opening of negotiations.
Talks on the crisis moved slowly over the next few days as Basayev released approximately 250 sick, women and children hostages. On day four of the crisis Russian special forces stormed the hospital without success. Over the next four days the Russian government alternated its tactics between force and negotiation. Finally, on June 23, Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin agreed to the following conditions: In return for the safe release of the hostages the Russian government would grant a ceasefire to the war, open up negotiations and guarantee safe passage for the rebels back to Chechnya. |
