Suspects in attack on North Caucasus hydropower plant identified

The armed attack on Baksan hydropower plant in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria in the North Caucasus was committed by a group of up to four people, the National Antiterrorism Committee information center said on Wednesday.

"The suspects have already been identified," the statement said. "Having shot two non-departmental security forces officers and seized their arms, the criminals broke into the engine room, where they beat up four workers and laid home-made explosive devices before escaping."

The report said the explosions occurred between 5.00 and 6.00 local time (1.00 - 2.00 GMT)

"At 5.20 and at 6.00, the devices went off and damaged three generators and some other technical equipment. The engine room caught fire. At 6.15, work at the plant was suspended."

Local energy supplies were not cut off as a result of the explosions.

The committee said that measures have been taken to strengthen security on all of Russia`s hydroelectric plants.

Russian Presidential envoy to the North Caucasus Alexander Khloponin will hold a meeting with representatives of the local law enforcement agencies on Wednesday during his visit to Kabardino-Balkaria, a representative of the envoy`s administration said.

"A visit to Kabardino-Balkaria was already planned, and the schedule has been tightened in connection with today`s events. An operational meeting will be held, in which the reasons for the incident will be discussed," he said.

"The situation in the republic... is complicated and many forces are trying to destabilize it," he added.

sections: Society