Russian Soldier Assassinated by FSB on Suspicion of ISIS Ties
A Russian soldier in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic was assassinated by the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia on suspicion of having ties to the extremist Islamic State militant group (ISIS).
Details of the Incident
- The individual was shot dead by the FSB in the Russian North Caucasus village of Adil-Khalk.
- He was allegedly preparing an attack on law enforcement personnel.
- An improvised explosive device and a Kalashnikov assault weapon were discovered at the scene.
Connection to ISIS
According to the Federal Security Service, the terrorist was found to have correspondence with coordinators who are abroad.
Background on the Region
Ethnic conflicts occasionally flare up in the volatile Karachay-Cherkessia area, dominated by the indigenous Caucasian-Turkic Karachay people and the Cherkess or Circassian people.
Recent Developments
- The FSB detained 14 alleged members of a radical Islamist group in the country in December.
- The Russian serviceman, aged 25, was suspected of having links to ISIS.
- A criminal prosecution was filed against him for participation in a terrorist organisation.
- During the arrest, the military man resisted and was killed.
ISIS Attack in Moscow
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in March on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall concert venue, resulting in at least 140 deaths and several injuries, marking the deadliest attack on the capital in over a decade.
