200 mercenaries in Chechnya: Ivanov

MOSCOW, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Friday there as many as 200 foreign mercenaries in Chechnya, Interfax reported.

"Operational reports say mercenaries from more than 50 countries have operated in Chechnya, and currently there are 150 to 200 foreign mercenaries in the internal republic," Ivanov told members of the military diplomatic corps in Moscow.

"Even though militant groups consisting of foreigners continue their terrorist actions in Chechnya, there is no longer any need for a large-scale army presence in Chechnya. Law enforcers and special services supported by troops permanently deployed in the area are capable of effectively combating the terrorists," he said.