Friday, December 4, 2009

Chechen Rebels Claim Responsibility for Murder on the Nevsky Express

At least 26 people were killed and more than 100 hospitalized, after a homemade bomb derailed a luxury express train running from Moscow to St. Petersburg on November 27, 2009, according to The Moscow Times website.

Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, said, "It's a challenge for our people. A crime, in which any one of us could have been a victim, has been committed for effect. Everyone living in Russia is being intimidated."

The Nevsky Express -- the fastest train between Moscow and St. Petersburg -- was traveling at about 200 kilometers per hour with 652 passengers and 30 crew, the Interior Ministry said.

A bomb equivalent to seven kilograms of TNT on the tracks exploded, causing three of the train's 14 cars to be derailed.

Chechen rebels have claimed responsibility for this bombing. Chechens are predominantly Muslims living in Chechnya, which is located in the North Caucasus Mountains. Because Chechnya is a part of Russia -- and many Chechens want it to be an independent country -- Chechens have committed several terrorist acts in Russia in the past, in an effort to convince Russia to let it be independent.

Such terrorist acts have failed to have any impact on Russia yielding to Chechen demands in the past. It is also very unlikely that this train bombing -- if in fact it has been committed by Chechen rebels -- will have any effect on Russia in granting Chechens their demands.

What do you think about this terrorism? How can it be prevented? We want to know your thoughts. Comments please....

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