Chechen rebels attacked an army patrol in Ingushetia, which is adjacent to Chechnya. Three soldiers died. In the last eight months, spillover fighting from Chechnya has left 17 soldiers and several dozen rebels dead in Ingushetia.

Georgia is refusing to extradite Chechens wanted for crimes in Russia, and says it will try them in Georgian courts. Russia fears the Chechens will bribe or threaten their way out of a trial or be given a miniscule sentence.