Russian Apologizes in Accidental Bombing of Chechen Village
The commander of Russian troops in Chechnya issued a rare public apology Friday after an “unauthorized” bombing killed at least nine civilians in a Chechen village that had signed a peace accord with Russia.
Gen. Vyacheslav Tikhomirov, the top Russian commander in Chechnya, told Interfax news agency Friday that a Russian aircraft had accidentally released the bomb over its own troop positions Thursday, killing servicemen and local people.
The incident occurred just five days after the village of Katr-Yurt signed a pact with Russian forces, agreeing to clear out separatist fighters.
Such an apology is virtually unprecedented in the 16-month war, which has killed up to 30,000 people, most of them civilians.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.