'Emir of the Caucasus' claims responsibility for Moscow bombings

Chechen leader Doku Umarov has said he ordered the suicide blasts in Moscow that killed at least 39 people, according to an Islamist rebel website. The self-appointed "Emir of the Caucasus Emirate" said attacks on Russia would continue.

By Kathryn STAPLEY (video)
News Wires (text)

REUTERS - Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in the Moscow metro that killed at least 39 people, according to a video posted on the unofficial Islamist rebel website on Wednesday.

Umarov, who styles himself as the “Emir of the Caucasus Emirate”, said in the video that he had personally ordered the attacks. He said attacks on Russia would continue.

"Russia's most wanted"

Andrew Osborn, from Moscow

“As you all know on March 29 in Moscow, two special operations were carried out to destroy the infidels and to sent a greeting to the FSB,” Umarov was shown saying in the four-and-a-half minute long video on www.kavkazcenter.com.

One of the metro stations bombed was just metres (yards) away from the headquarters of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the country’s main domestic security service.

“Both of these operations were carried out on my command and will not be the last,” Umarov was shown saying against the background of what looked like a wood.

He spoke heavily accented Russian and said that he was speaking on March 29.

"They will not be the last"