Chechen Conflict

After the breakup of the former Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's southern province of Chechnya declared its independence. Russia sent troops into the province in 1994, and again in 1999.

Fast Facts:

1. First Chechen War: 1991 to 1996
2. No. civilians dead in First Chechen War: 30,000 to 100,000
3. Second Chechen War: 1999 to present
4. No. civilians dead in Second Chechen War: 25,000 to 50,000
5. Cease-fire in 1996 gave Chechnya measure of autonomy
6. Apartment building bombings in Russia in 1999 kill 300
7. 1999 bombings blamed on Chechens; Russia re-invades
8. Origins of conflict stretch back to 18th century
9. Region frequently rebelled against Russian and then Soviet rule
10. Chechen population forcibly deported at end of World War II

Key Dates

• Late 18th Century: Russia begins expanding into Caucasus Mountains
• Early 19th Century: Russia takes over Chechnya
• 1940: Chechen forces rebel against Soviet rule at outbreak of World War II
• 1944: Stalin accuses Chechen people of collaborating with Nazi Germany; orders mass deportations to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
• 1991: Soviet Union begins to disintegrate
• 1991: Chechen separatists declare independence
• 1994: Russia sends troops to topple Chechnyan separatists
• 1996: Russian forces driven from Chechnya
• September, 1999: Bombs explode in Russian apartment complexes; Chechen rebels blamed
• 1999: Russia again sends troops to Chechnya

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