Russia: Gunmen attack police checkpoint in North Ossetia Sep. 22

Event

Security officials reported that two unidentified gunmen attacked a police checkpoint in North Ossetia in the early morning hours of Friday, September 22. According to officials, the incident occurred in the Mozdoksky district near the town of Kalininsky. Three police officers were wounded in the attack, but none of their wounds are reported to be life-threatening. Both gunmen were able to flee the area and a security operation is ongoing to find the attackers.

Context

Violence is common in Russia's North Caucasus region, which includes the restive Muslim-majority regions of Ingushetia, Chechnya, Dagestan, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Islamist militants and criminal groups routinely target Russian military personnel, local officials, and moderate Muslims.

Advice

Individuals in the North Caucasus are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities.

As a reminder, most Western governments advise against travel to Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, as well as areas along the border with the Ukrainian oblast (province) of Kharkiv and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky, and Kursky in Stavropol Krai due to security concerns.