Russian security service claims neutralizing 20 Caucasus armed group leaders loyal to IS

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MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. In the North Caucasus, of the 26 armed group leaders who swore an oath of loyalty to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group outlawed in Russia 20 have been neutralized, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov said on Tuesday, opening a meeting of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC).

He noted that the main terrorist threats, as before, were linked to the activities of the armed groups in the North Caucasus.

"The predicted aggravation of the situation with the beginning of the participation of Russia’s Aerospace Forces in combat action against terrorists in Syria is confirmed by threats emanating from ISIS and other terrorist organizations. Militants from the ‘hot spots’ are trying to penetrate here. Terrorist attacks against Russian citizens abroad are carried out," Bortnikov noted.

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According to him, in this connection "special attention should be paid to the prevention of militants’ penetration into Russia from the military conflict areas." "For this it is necessary to take additional measures to improve the efficiency of investigative work through migration and tourism channels," he said.

Bortnikov pointed to the need to "more intensively use the established contacts with partners in the CIS member-states and other countries, primarily through the exchange of information on wanted persons, their criminal activities, relationships, plans and the routes of movement.".