Russian security forces dismantle covert terror network in Bashkortostan

Russian security services have detained eight alleged members of a clandestine terrorist cell operating in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Federal Security Service (FSB) announced.

The group is accused of promoting the ideology of an international terrorist organization banned in Russia and recruiting new followers among the local Muslim population, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The FSB’s Public Relations Center (PRS) reported that the covert cell consisted entirely of Russian citizens. “The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Bashkortostan has disrupted the activities of a covert cell of an international terrorist organization banned in Russia, consisting of eight Russian citizens,” the PRS said.

Investigators allege that the suspects actively disseminated the group’s doctrine—centered on the creation of a so-called worldwide caliphate—and held clandestine gatherings during which they attempted to recruit new adherents.

Searches conducted at the homes of the detained individuals resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of prohibited propaganda materials linked to the banned organization, as well as communication devices and electronic storage media allegedly used in their activities.

The investigation department of the Federal Security Service of Russia in the Republic of Bashkortostan has opened a criminal case under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertain to organizing and participating in the activities of a terrorist organization.

By Vafa Guliyeva