Georgia: Istanbul attack suspect killed in Nov. 22 anti-terror operation

Event

A raid targeting Islamic State (IS) militants in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Tuesday, November 22, reportedly resulted in three suspected terrorists of Chechen origin killed. One of the suspects killed allegedly headed the terrorist cell in Istanbul responsible for the 2016 triple suicide bombing at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport that killed 45 people.

Context

Terrorist activity - including kidnappings, bombings, and assassinations - has been a concern in recent years in Georgia. It is estimated that dozens of Georgian nationals have gone to fight for IS in Syria or Iraq, leading to fears that they could return to carry out attacks on Georgian soil.

Advice

Individuals present in Tbilisi are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior or objects to the relevant authorities.