MOSCOW/NAZRAN, August 25 (RIA Novosti) - The attempt on the life of Ingush Prime Minister Ibragim Malsagov is linked to a crackdown by authorities on gang activity, a government official said Thursday.
Beslan Khamkhoyev, the acting Ingushetian Interior Minister, said, "All the latest explosions in Ingushetia are linked," he said, connecting today's attempt on Malsagov's life to the fight the republic's leadership was waging against gangs in Ingushetia.
Khamkhoyev confirmed there had been two explosions. He said two radio- controlled explosive devices, with a TNT equivalent of up to five kilograms, had gone off along the minister's motorcade route.
Ingush presidential press spokesman Bers Yevloyev said the attempt was organized by forces that were gradually destabilizing the republic.
Yevloyev said he could not find any similarities to last year's attempt on Ingush President Murat Zyazikov. "Zyazikov is in the know despite his departure from Nazran. He controls the situation," Yevloyev said.
