31. Russian Military Against Chechen Terrorists and Hostages, 2002: 124 Casualties, 501 Injured
Chechnya is a province of Russia that has tried to assert independence for many years. Following the end of a war with Russia in 1996, Chechen terrorists have carried out multiple attacks against Russian civilians. In 2002, they took over 700 people hostage when 50 terrorists stormed a theatre in Moscow during a sold-out performance.
Russian forces pumped in a fentanyl-based incapacitating agent into the theatre to cause the terrorists to become unconscious. Though they did end the hostage situation, 124 people died from the gas that the Russian forces used.
