chechnya

A predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia, which declared its independence from Russia after the breakup of the Soviet Union. After unsuccessfully invading Chechnya in 1994, Russia renewed its attack in 1999 and took the capital city, Grozny. But Chechen guerrillas (see guerrilla warfare) continue to harass Russian troops in Chechnya. Russians believe that Chechens have been behind terrorist attacks in Moscow. (See terrorism.) Most nations recognize Chechnya as part of Russia.