“Russian special services have intelligence that certain ISIS groups are preparing terrorist attacks in Russia and European nations,” Andrey Przhezdomsky, spokesman for the Russian National Anti-Terrorist Committee, warned on Friday. “In particular, a battalion formed mainly from recruits from North Caucasus headed by Akhmed Chetayev, nicknamed One-Handed.”
Chetayev’s group reportedly includes dozens of people born in Russia’s southern republics who traveled to Syria to join the ranks of ISIS/ISIL.
The official added that former Iraqi army officers who served under Saddam Hussein are training the terrorists.
Przhezdomsky said Russian border guards and special services are doing their best to stem the flow of terrorists to and from Syria through Turkey. More than 100 would-be ISIS recruits were arrested before they could join the ranks and more than 800 fighters were busted on their way into Russia, he said. Among them were 22 recruiters of the terrorists.
The effort helped prevent several terrorist attacks in Russia, the official said.
“Just recently, a group of four hardcore militants arrived from Syria, planning to hit one of [Russia’s] major cities,” he said.
The group entered Russia legally, found a safe house and purchased parts for making improvised explosive devices, unaware that they were being followed by Russian agents.
“They were arrested and are awaiting trial,” Przhezdomsky said.
He added that the movement of people attempting to go to Syria and become terrorist fighters has passed its peak, but still remains a security issue for Russia.
S/SH