CHECHEN COMMANDERS ORDERED TO SHOOT DOWN MILITARY AIRCRAFT.

Chechen field commanders have reportedly been ordered to shoot down any military aircraft that flies over the republic’s territory, beginning at midnight on April 23. (NTV, April 23) It is unclear who signed such an important document in the absence of Chechnya’s president and supreme commander. President Maskhadov is now in Saudi Arabia and is not expected to return home until tomorrow. (RIA, "Novosti," April 23)

Chechnya Carries Out First Execution.