Russian authorities thwart planned terror attack by teenager in Astrakhan

An attempted terrorist attack planned by a 13-year-old schoolboy was prevented in the southern Russian city of Astrakhan, according to the press service of the Sovetsky District Court, cited by Russian media.

Investigators said the teenager had been collecting components at his home since the summer of 2025 to assemble an improvised explosive device. He allegedly intended to carry out attacks in the Astrakhan region as well as in the Republic of Dagestan. The boy also set up a channel on a messaging platform, where he planned to share information about making explosive devices.

During questioning, the minor told investigators that he had been communicating online for some time with an unknown person who claimed to be a member of the Islamic State (ISIS). Their exchanges initially focused on religious topics. Later, the teenager attempted to create an online community to promote the ideas of Sharia law. In mid-December 2025, he disbanded the group after concluding that joining a terrorist organisation would be required to receive further instructions. He then decided to carry out an attack on his own.

The teenager’s actions were stopped by police officers working jointly with the regional branch of the Federal Security Service (FSB). Due to his age, he avoided criminal prosecution, and the court ordered him to be held in detention for 30 days.

The case emerged against the backdrop of another violent incident involving a minor. On December 16, a deadly attack took place in Gorki-2 near Moscow, located about 10 kilometres from the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In that incident, a teenager who openly adhered to neo-Nazi views brought a knife into a school and attacked other children, deliberately targeting those he considered to be of “non-Russian” nationality. A 10-year-old boy, Kolbidzhon Aliev, a native of Tajikistan, was killed in the assault.

The attacker was detained almost immediately. Investigators said he recorded his actions on camera and, several days before the attack, circulated a manifesto titled “My Anger” among classmates. The text was directed against Jews, Muslims, and liberals.

By Tamilla Hasanova