Russia: Security forces kill four militants in Grozny October 13

Event

A counter-terrorism operation conducted in Oktyabrsky district in Grozny left four suspected militants dead on Tuesday, October 13. In addition, at least two officers of the National Guard were killed and a police officer wounded during the operation. 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

Grozny 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.