61.   Armed gangs seeking ransom have kidnapped dozens of foreigners and ethnic Russians this year.

62.   Armed gangs seeking ransom have seized dozens of ethnic Russians and foreigners this year.

63.   Armed gangs were turning their looting efforts to private houses, said resident Mira Mucollari, reached by telephone.

64.   Armed gangs who carry out kidnappings and other violence in and around Chechnya have made the region extremely dangerous.

65.   Armed gangs continue to loot stores and state buildings and rob people.

66.   Armed gangs continue to terrorize people in the territory.

67.   Armed gangs from each ethnic group continue to harass members of the other, and control pockets of the country.

68.   Armed gangs have taken control of large swaths of the country, stealing weapons and ammunition from army barracks, and indiscriminate robberies have become a daily occurrence.

69.   Armed gangs in Chechnya and neighboring Russian regions have made kidnapping for ransom a thriving business.

70.   Armed gangs roam the streets of many towns and guns have become toys for young children.