Emir Saad

Alan Digorsky (Russian: Алан Дигорский, romanized: Alan Digorskiy; Iron Ossetian: Дыгурты Алан, Dygurty Alan; Digor Ossetian: Дигорти Алан, Digorti Alan), better known as Emir Saad (Russian: Эмир Саад, romanized: Emir Saad, Iron Ossetian: Амыр Сад, Amyr Sad; Digor Ossetian: Амир Сад, Amir Sad), is an Islamist militant and the first leader of the Ossetian Jamaat Kataib al-Khoul which later became part of the Caucasus Front's North Ossetian Sector in Russia's republic of North Ossetia–Alania during the Second Chechen War.

Alan Digorsky Алан Дигорский Дыгурты Алан / Дигорти Алан
1st Emir of Kataib al-Khoul
In office March 2006 – 12 May 2009
Preceded by	Position created
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Nickname	Emir Saad
Military service
Allegiance	Kataib al-Khoul (2006–2009)
Years of service	2006-?
Rank	Emir of Kataib al-Khoul
Battles/wars	Second Chechen War

Not much is publicly known about Digorsky. His name, if genuine, would indicate that he was an ethnic Ossetian. When Kataib al-Khoul's existence was mentioned for the first time he was notified as its leader. Since the creation of the Caucasus Emirate in 2007, his forces strived to end Russian control of North Ossetia and establish an Islamic state based on Sharia law. Although Ossetian Muslims are a minority group in the republic, Digorsky had been relatively active in his guerrilla campaign, claiming credit for the killings of several high-ranking officials and other attacks. Since the abolishment of Vilayat Iriston in May 2009, Digorsky's whereabouts remain unknown.

Mil Mi-8 transport helicopter crash

On 11 September 2006, on the outskirts of Vladikavkaz, a Mil Mi-8 transport helicopter crashed, killing high ranks of 58th Combined Arms Army, including 3 Generals, 6 Colonels, 2 Lieutenant colonels and one Major. In total, 12 russian soldiers were killed.

Militants claim Emir Saad himself shot down the helicopter with a Man-portable air-defense system.

External links

• The Truth about the “Kataib al-Khoul” Ossetian Jamaat
• AUTHORITIES REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE INSURGENCY IN NORTH OSSETIA
• Kata'ib al-Khoul Aliases: Jamaat Kataib al-Khoul, Kataeb al-Ghoul, Kataib al-Khoul, Kataib al-Khoul Jamaat