Georgia detains two citizens over alleged Islamic State links VIDEO

Georgia’s State Security Service said its Counterterrorism Centre has detained two Georgian citizens over alleged ties to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation.

The arrests were carried out during a counterterrorism operation in the municipalities of Gardabani and Kareli, according to the security service, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media. 

Authorities said the two suspects had joined IS, pledged allegiance to the group’s leader and expressed their unconditional obedience to the organisation.

During searches conducted as part of the operation, investigators seized a written oath of allegiance, various types of ammunition, a hand grenade and electronic devices, the security service said.

The suspects face between 10 and 17 years in prison if convicted under Georgian law, according to the authorities.

By Sabina Mammadli