On May 3rd, 2002, a group of German tourists, hiking the hills of Uzbekistan, were suddenly and viciously attacked by armed gunmen. Two of the group of five managed to escape, one with a gunshot wound to the arm. Neither of the survivors were able to identify the nationality of their attackers, or the motivation for the attack. Within 24 hours, word was received that the three remaining Germans were indeed alive, and being held hostage by a splinter group of Chechnyan guerillas. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, demanding $1.8 million USD for each of the three hostages they claim to hold. This group, calling themselves the Chechnyan National Militia (CNM), has been linked to several similar actions and has history of violent crime, including the 1998 murder of five Iranian security guards in a botched arms heist.
Local authorities in Uzbekistan have dealt with this type of situation before, and believe that the captors and their hostages have already fled the country. "Typically these militia groups grab unwary tourists, and force them to march day and night to remote locations, where they are held for ransom" says Uzbek Interior Minister Zokirjon Almatov. "They are cowards trying to fund their own personal war against the Soviets."
Since the end of the Cold War the Chechnya National Militia (CNM) has seen it's financial situation decline dramatically. In order to finance their expensive and ongoing operations to liberate their homeland from Soviet occupation, they have become involved in the multi-million dollar business of Kidnap and Ransom (K&R).
The CNM has become well versed in small arms and improvised explosives, and have proven to be mobile and extremely unpredictable. They make frequent "border raids" into neighbouring contries, stealing money and arms, or taking hostages.
The families of the three German hostages have elected to bring in Globe Risk Holdings, an organization specializing in international security, training and hostage negotiation. Globe Risk has made contact with the CNM faction responsible for the kidnapping, and is currently negotiating the release of the hostages.
James Gayler, a Globe Risk representative, said yesterday that "the CNM is prone to violence and has so far been uncooperative in the negotiation process." He also indicated that Globe Risk is "prepared to use force to secure the release of the hostages," though they intend to continue to pursue a peaceful resolution as long as practicable.