March 18, 2005
Excessive Use of Mobile Phone Killed Maskhadov — Basayev
MosNews.com reports that Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev claims that the whereabouts of killed rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov were discovered by Russian Security Forces because they managed to intercept his mobile telephone calls.
"Maskhadov made a number of phone calls every day after negotiations were suggested by Russian authorities in the fall of 2004, Basayev says. He spoke to his representatives abroad and to rebel leaders based in the Caucasus Mountains, and sent lots of SMS text messages. Although he did not use the cell phone himself, it was obvious that the answers on his behalf were given immediately.
“Aslan did not need arms. Concealment was the best way to stay alive and he broke it by excessive use of a mobile,” the warlord stresses.
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