DATE=05/09/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-289603

TITLE=RUSSIA EXPLOSION (S UPDATE)

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

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/// UPDATES CR 2-289602 ///

/// WATCH C-N WIRE AND UPDATE CASUALTY FIGURES IN INTRO AS NEEDED ///

INTRO: A powerful explosion tore through a military parade in southern Russia, killing at least 20 people and injuring about 100. The victims include war veterans, musicians and children. Russian President Vladimir Putin says it was the work of terrorists. V-O-A's Sonja Pace reports from Moscow.

TEXT: Local police officials say a powerful remote-controlled landmine exploded and hit a bus carrying members of a military band in the town of Kaspiisk, in the southern republic of Dagestan.

The blast occurred (Thursday morning) as people gathered for this year's "Victory Day" celebration, marking the 57th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Russian television showed mangled musical instruments strewn on the ground and blood trickling down the road where the explosion occurred.

President Putin called it a terrorist attack and vowed to find and punish those responsible.

Dagestan is frequently the scene of small-scale bombings and unrest. The violence is viewed as spill-over from the neighboring republic of Chechnya, where Russian troops are fighting a bloody and drawn out guerrilla war against separatist rebels. (signed)

NEB/SP/JWH