In late August 1999, the situation in the North Caucasus escalated dramatically as the Islamic International Peacekeeping Brigade, composed of Chechen militants and foreign fighters, invaded Dagestan, declaring the region part of a broader Islamic territory. The Russian government, led by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, viewed this incursion as a direct threat to its national security. The Russian military was ordered to conduct operations in Chechnya to combat this emerging threat and to reinstate its authority over the region. This marked the onset of the Second Chechen War, a highly controversial military campaign that aimed to suppress separatism and terrorism in Chechnya.

In response, Russian forces launched a large-scale offensive, which included aerial bombardments and ground troops entering Chechnya. The conflict quickly escalated, with Chechen fighters launching counterattacks and the civilian population caught amidst the violence. The brutality of the war and the humanitarian crisis it sparked drew international attention and condemnation. Amidst the battles, Putin's tough stance boosted his popularity, leading to his later election as President of Russia.

The Second Chechen War was marked by significant military strategy, acts of terrorism, and complex geopolitical implications, as Chechnya became a focal point of both local and international concerns regarding Islamic extremism, terrorism, and human rights violations. The war resulted in severe consequences for the Chechen population, exacerbating displacement and destruction, and further entrenching the idea of conflict in the region.