Russian security forces detain members of "Batal-Haji" extremist network

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), acting jointly with the Interior Ministry and the National Guard (Rosgvardiya), has detained members of the terrorist organisation “Batal-Haji,” which is banned in Russia. 

According to the 112 channel, law enforcement agencies thwarted the illegal activities of active members of the group, described as followers of the “Vird” movement associated with Batal-Haji Belkhoroev, who were involved in criminal actions.

During the operation, officers seized a large cache of firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials. Criminal cases have been opened against the detainees on charges of illegal possession of weapons and explosives under Part 4 of Article 222.1 of the Russian Criminal Code.

The FSB noted that the current crackdown on the Batal-Haji group is unfolding amid an ongoing court case against 12 of its members suspected of carrying out a terrorist attack in 2019. That attack resulted in the killing of Ibrahim Eldzharkiev, head of the Interior Ministry’s Centre for Combating Extremism in the Republic of Ingushetia.

Law enforcement agencies have also reported information pointing to the organisation’s possible involvement in the terrorist attack at Crocus Hall.

Separately, the Southern District Military Court is examining another criminal case involving an additional 12 alleged members of the group. According to unofficial estimates, the number of followers of Batal-Haji Belkhoroev may be as high as 5,000.

By Tamilla Hasanova