North Caucasus sees record number of terrorist attacks

The Russian Prosecutor's Office states that in 2009 654 terrorist crimes were recorded in the North Caucasus, slightly more than in 2008. 548 crimes connected with extremism were also recorded, again higher than in the previous year. Numerous attacks on law enforcers and military personnel occurred in Ingushetia, Dagestan, North Ossetia and Chechnya.

Russian officials have stated many times that the economic and social life of the region should be improved very considerably as a first step in combating terrorism and extremism. Corruption should be eradicated as well.