Isa Yamadaev Former deputy of the People's Assembly of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic Date of Birth: 01.01.1975 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Family
2. Role in Chechen Conflicts
3. Career in Russian Federal Forces
4. Political Career
5. Conflict with Ramzan Kadyrov
6. Assassination of Ruslan Yamadayev
7. Further Persecution and Death

Early Life and Family

Issa Bekmirzayevich Yamadayev was born in 1975 into a prominent Chechen family belonging to the Beno teip, one of the largest in Chechnya. He was the fifth of six sons, with Badrudi being the youngest. His father, who died young, was a tractor driver in a forest plantation, while his brothers were raised by their uncle, Amkhad.

Role in Chechen Conflicts

During the First Chechen War (1994-1996), the Yamadayev brothers actively supported the separatists. Issa's older brothers, Ruslan and Sulim, even received the rank of brigadier generals. However, in 1997, the Yamadayevs came into conflict with radical Wahhabis over their control of the city of Gudermes.

In 1999, the Yamadayevs refused Shamil Basayev's request to provide Gudermes as a staging ground for his invasion of Dagestan. As a result, Basayev and his allies entered the Dagestani villages of Botlikh and Novolak without bypassing the Gudermes district. In February 2000, the Yamadayevs defected to the federal forces, surrendering Gudermes without resistance.

Career in Russian Federal Forces

After their defection, the Yamadayev brothers participated in combat operations against armed groups and held several key positions. In September 2001, Ruslan was appointed deputy military commandant of Chechnya; in May 2002, Sulim received a similar position; and Jabrail headed a special forces company within the Russian Ministry of Defense.

In November 2003, the Special Purpose Battalion "Vostok" was formed on the basis of the special forces company commanded by Sulim. The battalion directly reported to officers of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff and was part of the 291st Motor Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Guards Motor Rifle Division, permanently stationed in Chechnya.

Political Career

Alongside their military activities, Ruslan and Issa Yamadayev engaged in political life. From August 2002, Ruslan served as head of the Chechen regional executive committee of the United Russia party. In 2003, Issa was mentioned as a member of the political council of the Chechen regional branch of United Russia.

In November 2005, Issa Yamadayev was elected as a deputy to the People's Assembly of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic. He ran on the list of United Russia and was ranked tenth.

Conflict with Ramzan Kadyrov

In 2008, tensions escalated between the Yamadayev brothers and Ramzan Kadyrov, who had become the President of Chechnya in 2007. In April, Kadyrov accused Sulim of kidnappings and extortion, and units under Kadyrov's control blockaded the "Vostok" battalion in Gudermes. In June, the Chechen parliament voted to dissolve itself, reportedly due to constitutional amendments that had been made in December 2007, but also to remove Issa Yamadayev from his parliamentary position.

Assassination of Ruslan Yamadayev

On September 24, 2008, Ruslan Yamadayev was assassinated in Moscow. Issa accused Kadyrov of being behind the murder, claiming that the President had a "black list" that included himself and his brother.

Further Persecution and Death

Following Ruslan's assassination, Issa continued to face persecution. In January 2009, his house in Gudermes was burned down. On March 28, 2009, an assassination attempt was made on Sulim Yamadayev in Dubai. Although initially reported dead, Issa claimed that his brother was alive but in critical condition. However, in a subsequent interview, Issa stated that Sulim was alive under the witness protection program of the UAE's secret services.