"I can say with full responsibility that we had a chance to prevent the act of terrorism in Beslan," he wrote in an article published in Izvestia today. In the general's opinion, "the high alert mode [in North Ossetia] turned into a round-the -clock duty for the commanding staff in their offices and a tighter guard of administrative buildings." However, it was necessary to check vehicles and people in almost inaccessible areas, to control the situation on the roads with helicopters and a massive cleanup in the outskirts of Vladikavkaz and Beslan. "In the high alert situation, it was also necessary to involve army units, but this was not done," Gen. Abrashin said.
"The information about a terrorist attack that militants were preparing was constantly reported to security agencies," he said. "It was sometimes difficult to say whether it was true or false. Of course, somebody can say that there is no 100% guarantee in preventing terrorist attacks. But this is true when we speak about the actions of lone terrorists." However, to allow a large group of bandits to attack, to move in vehicles on roads carrying a large amount of ammunition is an unpardonable mistake, the general underscored. He said similar mistakes in the actions of the security agencies resulted in the militants' attacks on Ingushetia on June 21-22.
The general said that currently the amount of the tasks the troops in Chechnya must complete is greater than their physical possibilities: a large part of these tasks is connected with ensuring their own safety. Operations to destroy the remaining and newly formed bandit groups are conducted from time to time and are not effective. "As a result, after committing terrorist attacks, the militants hide from persecution in Chechnya," he said.
