Type of Gas Used in Moscow Theater Identified - 2002-10-30

The type of gas used to end the hostage crisis in one of Moscow's theaters has been identified. The Russian Minister of Health stated that the gas used was a derivative of the narcotic substance known as fentanyl, which is commonly used for anesthesia. Yuri Shevchenko said today that Russian special forces used this gas in an attempt to incapacitate Chechen militants who had taken over seven hundred hostages for three days. Russian officials had refrained from specifying the type of gas, which resulted in the deaths of at least 117 hostages. Meanwhile, Russia has requested Denmark to extradite Ahmad Zakayev, a senior Chechen envoy whom Moscow claims was involved in orchestrating the hostage crisis. Zakayev, who was in Copenhagen to attend a Chechen congress, was arrested by Danish police this morning, and a Danish court ruled that he would remain in custody until November 12, on suspicion of involvement in last week's hostage crisis in one of Moscow's theaters. In response to international pressure, Russia has announced the name of the gas used to end the hostage crisis. The Russian Ministry of Health stated on Wednesday that fentanyl, often used as an anesthetic, is not lethal and was used to sedate the Chechen militants who had taken over more than 700 hostages for three days. Health officials say the effects and complications from the gas have killed at least 117 people, and 150 others are still hospitalized. Meanwhile, the Danish government has arrested a Chechen representative. Ahmad Zakayev, whom Moscow accuses of aiding the theater attack, was arrested in Copenhagen while attending a Chechen congress. Denmark says it is considering Russia's request to extradite him.