23 May 2020 | 08:51 AM UTC
Russia: Security forces kill six suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in Dagestan May 22
Security forces kill six suspected Islamic State (IS) militants during a counter-terrorism operation in Khasavyurt district (Dagestan) on May 22; heightened security presence likely in the area in the near term
Event
A counter-terrorism operation conducted in Khasavyurt district (Dagestan) left six suspected Islamic State (IS) militants dead on Friday, May 22. The militants had reportedly been planning to conduct attacks targeting local police forces.
A heightened security presence is anticipated in the area in the near term. Further operations by Russian security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Dagestan is located within Russia's North Caucasus region, which also includes the restive Muslim-majority regions of Ingushetia, Chechnya, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Islamist militants and criminal groups in the region have been known to target Russian military personnel, local officials, and moderate Muslims. Chechnya, in particular, has been the site of a decades-long conflict between Moscow and separatist and religious radical groups; a large number of people from Chechnya have reportedly joined IS.
Advice
Individuals in the North Caucasus are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. As a reminder, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to parts of the North Caucasus region.
