Moscow, Iran – The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the thwarting of a series of imminent terrorist attacks targeting government officials and law enforcement personnel in the Khabarovsk region of eastern Russia and the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic in the south.
This was achieved through two simultaneous security operations conducted in cooperation with the Russian Investigative Committee.
In an official statement, the FSB explained that the operations resulted in the arrest of two individuals suspected of involvement in preparing terrorist attacks in two geographically dispersed regions.
This, according to the statement, indicates external coordination and direction.
Details of security operations
In the Khabarovsk region, Russian security forces detained a citizen of a Central Asian country, born in 1995.
He was planning to set fire to a government administrative building as part of a sabotage plot aimed at destabilizing the region.
Meanwhile, in the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, a 16-year-old (born in 2009) was arrested in the city of Nalchik.
The teenager was preparing to carry out an attack using an improvised explosive device and firearms against local police officers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the detained teenager had recorded
a video last October announcing his allegiance to a banned terrorist organization.
He then began receiving instructions from an “operator” abroad via the Telegram messaging app.
The Russian Investigative Committee reported that the communication
included detailed instructions on target selection and execution methods.
Seized items and evidence
During the searches, security forces confiscated a number of pieces of evidence, including electronic devices containing communications
with militants and written instructions on manufacturing explosives and carrying out attacks.
They also found photographs and reconnaissance materials of potential targets, including officials and security personnel.
Authorities confirmed that criminal cases have been opened against the detainees on charges
of “participating in a terrorist organization” and “preparing a terrorist act by a group of individuals.”
They also indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify any linked cells or funding sources behind these plots.
At the same time, they emphasized the continuation of preventative measures to thwart any future threats to public security.
