Russia arrests 6 suspects in North Caucasus raid

Russian forces have detained six suspected militants during counter-terrorism raids in the country’s restive Northern Caucasus region.

The arrests were made overnight on Friday during a raid on a residential complex in the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic.

One of the suspects was apprehended while attempting to escape through neighboring Kabardino-Balkaria.

A large number of cartridges, grenades, grenade launchers and TNT blocks were found during the raid on the complex, which was reportedly being used as a laboratory for the production of improvised explosive devices.

Hundreds of Takfiri Daesh terrorists reportedly hail from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an organization of former Soviet Republics.

In November, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said more than 25,000 foreign militants, including individuals from Arab countries, Europe, Russia and CIS, are fighting alongside Daesh in Syria.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry, many Russians from the Republic of Chechnya have traveled to Syria to join the ranks of terrorists operating to overthrow the Syrian government. Moscow says such militants threaten the country’s security upon their return.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia is actively re-equipping the armed forces of Kyrgyzstan to help it counter the threat posed by Daesh terrorists that are strengthening their foothold in Afghanistan.

Shoigu said the situation in Afghanistan, which lies to the southwest of Kyrgyzstan, was deteriorating due to growing Daesh terror activities there.

In recent months, the Daesh militant group has expanded its presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The group is also using a sophisticated social media campaign to woo local Taliban and other militants.

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