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Turpal-Ali AtgerievTerrorist |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Involvement in Conflicts
- First Russo-Chechen War
- KIzlyar Raid and Criminal Charges
- Post-War Roles
- 1997 Grozny Mayoral Race and Chechen Islamic State
- Vice Premier, Minister of State Security, and Warnings to Russia
- Arrest, Trial, and Sentencing
- Death in Prison
Early Life and Education
Born in the village of Alleroi (Chechen-Ingush ASSR), Ruslan Atgeriyev pursued his education after completing high school in the construction industry. He earned a degree in history from Chuvash State University and diplomas as a lawyer and historian.
Involvement in Conflicts
In 1990-1992, Atgeriyev engaged in business and led a small enterprise. He actively participated in the armed conflict in Abkhazia in 1992, fighting alongside Shami Basayev. From 1992-1994, he served in the ChR Internal Affairs, eventually becoming a senior in the 21st traffic police company in Grozny.
First Russo-Chechen War
Beginning in December 1994, Atgeriyev fought against Russian forces in the First Russo-Chechen War. He commanded the Novo Grozny Regiment, participating in battles in Grozny, Argun, and other areas. He also led various combat units, including serving as a front commander.
KIzlyar Raid and Criminal Charges
On January 9, 1996, Atgeriyev led a joint raid of militant detachments on the city of Kizlyar (Dagestan), alongside Salaman Raduyev and Khunkar-Pasha Israilov. On January 18, he directed the breakout of militant detachments from the village of Pervomayskoye. After this operation, Russia charged Atgeriyev with terrorism, hostage-taking, and banditry, and placed him on a federal wanted list.
Post-War Roles
Following the end of the war, Atgeriyev served as head of the Special Forces of the ChRI Armed Forces. He received the "Hero of the Nation" and "Bogatyr of the Nation" awards. From January 1997, he headed Aslan Maskhadov's presidential campaign and became a member of the Presidential Council, supervising science and education.
1997 Grozny Mayoral Race and Chechen Islamic State
In May 1997, Atgeriyev ran for mayor of Grozny with unofficial support from Maskhadov. Despite reportedly winning the most votes (44%), the elections were annulled. He subsequently formed and led the "Chechen Islamic State" pro-Maskhadov movement in August 1997.
Vice Premier, Minister of State Security, and Warnings to Russia
From January 1998, Atgeriyev served as First Vice Premier, overseeing the ChRI government's security forces. In 1999, he became Minister of State Security. In May 1999, he personally informed FSB Director Vladimir Putin of impending militant incursions into Dagestan. In June, he visited Moscow to raise funds for the militants.
Arrest, Trial, and Sentencing
On July 16, 1999, Atgeriyev was apprehended at the Vnukovo Airport with a Beretta pistol. Following protests from ChRI, he was released on July 18, 1999, after Russia's Prime Minister intervened. With the outbreak of the Second Russo-Chechen War, Atgeriyev was again targeted. On October 28, 2000, he was arrested in Makhachkala.
In December 2001, the Supreme Court of Dagestan sentenced Atgeriyev to 15 years in prison for his role in the Kizlyar attack. He served his sentence in the No. 2 correctional colony in Yekaterinburg.
Death in Prison
On June 20, 2002, Atgeriyev was hospitalized with suspected leukemia caused by kidney cancer. He passed away on August 18, 2002. The official cause of death was leukemia and kidney hemorrhage.
