Security forces in Chechnya say they've released two hostages held for more than six months and detained seven people suspected of involvement in their abduction.

Local officials said it was the result of a large-scale operation against kidnappings.

Hostage-taking has become common in Chechnya since the 1994-96 war, and more than one-hundred people are still being held.

There has also been a spate of car bomb attacks in region.

Meanwhile, the Russian Prime Minister, Yevgeny Primakov, is reported to have invited the Chechen leader, Aslan Maskhadov, to meet to discuss the situation tomorrow Thursday.

It's not known whether Mr Maskhadov intends to accept.