Nazran, Ingushetia – Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested six individuals linked to an international terrorist organization in the North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, state media reported on Wednesday. The suspects were allegedly planning attacks on local police forces and an Orthodox church, according to law enforcement officials.
The arrests took place in two locations, the city of Nazran and the nearby village of Kantyshevo, both situated approximately 20 kilometers north of Vladikavkaz, the capital of the neighboring republic of North Ossetia. The FSB, which carried out the operation, reported that all six men are Russian citizens.
The suspects were allegedly in the advanced stages of planning their attacks. During the raids, authorities uncovered a homemade explosive device and several components for assembling additional explosives.
Firearms, bladed weapons, and materials bearing terrorist symbols were also found in the suspects’ possession. The FSB did not disclose the exact nature of the materials, though they indicated that the evidence pointed to extremist activities linked to an international terrorist organization.
While the identity of the terrorist group has not been revealed, the North Caucasus has long been a hotspot for Islamic militant activity. The region has seen recurring violence over the years, including clashes between security forces and various armed groups.
The FSB emphasized the significance of preventing what could have been a deadly attack on local law enforcement and religious institutions. The Orthodox church targeted in the alleged plot represents a key symbol of Russian Orthodox Christianity, making it a strategic target for militant groups that seek to sow discord in the region.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding the timeline of the planned attack or the full extent of the suspects’ network. However, the discovery of explosives and weapons indicates the seriousness of the threat.
The North Caucasus region, which includes Ingushetia, Chechnya, and Dagestan, has faced instability for decades. The area was the epicenter of two wars between Russian forces and separatist rebels in Chechnya during the 1990s and early 2000s. In recent years, the FSB has intensified counterterrorism efforts in the region to prevent the resurgence of militant activities.
This latest operation in Ingushetia underscores the ongoing security challenges in the North Caucasus. Despite years of efforts to stabilize the region, extremist ideologies continue to attract followers, leading to periodic flare-ups of violence and terrorist plots.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent future attacks. The FSB is continuing its investigation into the arrested suspects, seeking to identify any potential accomplices or larger networks that may still be active in the region.
Russian authorities have vowed to maintain their crackdown on terrorist groups operating within the country, particularly in the volatile North Caucasus. As the investigation continues, further arrests or preventive actions may follow in the coming days.
The six suspects remain in custody as the FSB works to gather more evidence and prevent any further threats to public safety in the region.