Russia: Two police officers wounded in attacks in Chechnya August 20

Event

On Monday, August 20, Chechen officials announced that two police officers had been wounded in a series of attacks targeting security forces in Chechnya. According to local sources, two individuals armed with knives were killed after attacking and wounding two police officers while attempting to forcefully enter a police building in Shalinsky. In a separate incident, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest near traffic police officers in the village of Mesker-Yurt. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of Monday.

Context

Separatist and anti-government 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 target Russian security forces as well as local officials.

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 Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia.