MOSCOW - Russian officials suspect Chechen separatists in the deadly bombings that rocked two subway stations in central Moscow on Monday, highlighting a longstanding threat to the country's stability.

The rebels claimed responsibility for the blasts on a Web site associated with them. And Russia's intelligence agency said preliminary indications point to "a terrorist group from the North Caucuses region," where Chechnya is.

"We consider this the most likely scenario, based on investigations conducted at the site of the blast," said Alexander Bortnikov, director of the Federal Security Service.

The Russia-Chechnya conflict dates back many years and has exacted a heavy toll on both sides.

Chechens have laid claim to land in the Caucus Mountains region for more than 5,000 years.

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