Russia: IS claims responsibility for June 23 attack on Kadyrov's residence in Grozny /update 1

Event

The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the attack targeting the residence of Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic, in Grozny (Chechnya) on Sunday, June 23. According to Chechen police forces, a man arrested during a routine control near Kadyrov's residence stabbed a police officer and a soldier before being shot down. Authorities are investigating the attack. Similar attacks are possible in Chechnya in the coming weeks.

Context

Chechnya is located within Russia's North Caucasus region, which also includes the restive Muslim-majority regions of Ingushetia, Dagestan, 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 Islamic State (IS).

Advice

Individuals in Grozny are advised to remain vigilant, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and 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.