11 October 2022, 15:51
Experts dispute on Chechen "Rosgvardiya" fighters' fit for guarding Crimean Bridge
The "Rosgvardiya" (Russian National Guard) fighters from Chechnya are not competent enough to handle the equipment for guarding the Crimean Bridge, Gennady Gudkov, an FSB reserve colonel, believes. In his turn, Amir Kolov, a police colonel has objected, stating that Ramzan Kadyrov had offered to attract Chechen law enforcers for guarding the bridge, being confident in their fitness for the mission.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that after blowing up a truck on the Crimean Bridge, Kadyrov announced the readiness of Chechen "Rosgvardiya" fighters to control traffic and inspect vehicles moving on the bridge. But Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has entrusted the duty to protect the bridge to the Russian Federal Security Service (known as the FSB).
On October 8, traffic was closed on the Crimean Bridge because of the truck explosion there.
"Rosgvardiya" fighters from Chechnya are fit for the physical protection of the bridge, but this is not a full-fledged guarding, Mr Gudkov believes.
According to his version, a significant part of security is provided by other experts. "These are professionals who manage anti-missile and air defence systems, underwater reconnaissance, and a detection system for technical devices; Kadyrov has no such experts," Gennady Gudkov has explained.
Amir Kolov, a police colonel, is sure that out of all the existing "Rosgvardiya" and police units, Chechen fighters are fully trained to guard objects like the Crimean Bridge. "The point is about discipline and their commanders' competence. From this viewpoint, Chechen units seem to be above others," he has pointed out.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 10, 2022 at 08:14 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
