Russia: Suspected terrorists killed in Nalchik February 27

Event

An anti-terrorist operation conducted in Nalchik (Kabardino-Balkaria) left three suspected terrorists dead on Wednesday, February 27. The suspects were reportedly planned to carry out an attack in the region. Authorities indicated the suspects maintained ties to an apparent religious extremist group. A heightened security presence is anticipated in the area in the near term. Further operations by Russian security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Kabardino-Balkaria is located within Russia's North Caucasus region, which also includes the restive Muslim-majority regions of Ingushetia and Chechnya. 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.