Chechnya bombing death toll rises

Rescuers on Sunday called off the search for survivors, two days after the attack devastated the compound in the Chechen capital, Grozny.

As the body count rose, a top Russian prosecutor said he was preparing to charge personnel who failed to stop the attackers getting through the fortified site.

Pro-Russian officials in the breakaway republic have blamed rebel Chechen leader Aslan Maskhadov for the attack, but Mr Maskhadov has denied any involvement.

Authorities in Russia have also suggested Islamic extremists might have been behind the bombing, blaming the attack on "international terrorism".

Security breached

Russian authorities are investigating how the bombers managed to penetrate tight security and reach the heavily guarded building.

Deputy Prosecutor General Sergei Fridinksy said those responsible for security in the city should be punished.

"We have prepared a report which poses the question of dismissing the commanders who oversee [security] of government buildings, and the commander of the city of Grozny," he said.

Mr Fridinksy said that he was preparing to charge people who enable the bombers to get through.

Officials say three bombers wearing Russian military uniforms drove two trucks through the gates of the compound, before detonating bombs equivalent to one ton of TNT explosives.

Authorities said the death toll was likely to rise in the coming days.

Rebels blamed

Aslan Maskhadov, the former Chechen president ousted by Russia three years ago, has denied any involvement in the bombings.

Mr Maskhadov issued a statement of condolence on Saturday saying the attack was wrong.

"I speak to those who have decided to take the path of self-sacrifice after suffering painful experiences and losses," he said in the statement carried on rebel websites.

"I understand you but I cannot support you," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attack - the worst suicide bombing ever against Russia - as "inhuman", accusing the rebels of waging war against their own people.

The BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Moscow says the president's response is likely to be swift, and tough.

However, he adds that it is unclear what impact the attack will have on the Kremlin's proposed peace initiative for the region - which includes holding a referendum early next year on a new constitution.