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Recent Russian radio intercepts indicate that Abu al Valid took command of the Khattab's group of Chechen rebels and foreign "mercenaries". Valid had been Khattab's closest aide and the Chechen rebels' "money bag", maintaining contacts with the Muslim Brothers international terrorist organization. The 27 April report claimed that Abu Valid received and distributed the money from abroad, set prices for terrorist acts and subversive activities, and also planned operations.

Six hours later, Russian Federal Security Service spokesman Colonel Ilya Shabalkin gave the press the contradictory theories that the death of Chechen rebel warlord Khattab was a financial blow to the "international terrorists" in Chechnya. According to Shabalkin, more than US$30 million allocated during 2001 by pro-Mujihadeen sources to promote Wahhabism in Chechnya was stolen by those who had access to it. 

According to Shabalkin, the "council of sheiks" running the Muslim Brothers "will be unable to find an equal replacement" for Khattab among Arab mercenaries in Chechnya. Over US$ 30 million was allocated last year to promote Wahhabism in Chechnya, but the money was stolen by those who had access to it. Shortly before his death, through front companies Khattab bought a Saudi Arabian construction materials factory for US$ 19 million. 

The Special Representative of the President of the ChRI, A.Zakayev, conceded Khattab's death on 27 April 2002. The FSB has also posted what they claim to be photographs of Khattab's body online at http://www.fsb.ru/foto/hattab/1.html

Also on the 27th, Interfax reported that Federal units killed rebel field commander
Shirvani Magomadov ( who was most recently of having a hand in the recent Grozny bombing of pro-Moscow Chechen OMON troopers). - Adam Geibel