Russia's deputy Chechnya head poisoned by substance sent in envelope

The deputy head of the Chechen Republic was poisoned last Wednesday when he opened an envelope containing a hazardous substance, Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov said Monday morning.

Apty Alaudinov, who was also “commander of the Akhmat special forces and deputy commander of the 2nd Army Corps,” would recover and was not in a life-threatening situation and received treatment at a clinic in Moscow, he said.

Alaudinov received an envelope from an aide. After opening the letter, he understood from a caustic smell that he had been exposed to a hazardous chemical. He quickly washed his hands and nasal cavity and received immediate treatment from medical specialists.

Samples of the poison were taken for analysis, and an investigation into the assassination attempt was opened, Kadyrov said.

Alaudinov received the order of Hero of Russia
Kadyrov has been a major proponent of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Chechen forces have been at the forefront of the fighting. Alaudinov received the order of Hero of Russia in August.