[justa-hairyape]

So the Chechens are claiming that their forces are not involved and all that talk from Russia is a smokescreen to put pressure on Tibilisi ? Then who are in those Chechen images ? I guess its possible they could be mercenaries or fakes.

[MarMema]

The official chechen group, which is led by Mogladi, is stating they would never fight for Russians against their Caucasus brothers, and I believe them wholeheartedly.

So it is worse, because the chechens who are running around are rogue chechens, not connected to the Shamil family.

When I was in Georgia in the mountains there were chechens there who simply hated the Russians.

These chechens in this report, must be either from Russia or just plain hired for money.

[MarMema]

First you have to realise that South Ossetia itself is a gangster haven, set up for Russian criminals to go and launder money, have prostitutes, etc.
So it has attracted the worst of society in Russia,
and it is in fact run by a former soviet wrestler who is complete scum.
It is no suprise that chechens have drifted in, and perhaps stayed.