Chechen officials have banned all public gatherings, saying the threat of terrorist attacks on crowds was too great.

Chechen officials denied the report, although he has not been seen in days.

Chechen officials said 25 people had died during the raids.

The population has fallen from 1.2 million in 1994, before two wars devastated the republic, but the number is higher than Chechen officials had believed.

Some Chechen officials have quit in fear for their lives.

Several Chechen officials have said they would resign their posts and if those responsible for assaults on civilians were not brought to justice.

Chechen officials told The Associated Press that at least 118 people died and more than 400 were injured, although the number could not be confirmed.

Chechen officials said the executions were in accordance with Islamic law.

Chechen military officials have long promised a counterattack, but it has failed so far to materialize.

Chechen officials put the toll at 100 or more.