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Fight against Islamic state

South Ossetia leader does not rule Georgians fighting alongside IS could get into republic

"According to available information, some Georgian nationals are fighting alongside Islamic State," he said, adding that they could possibly cross into South Ossetia

South Ossetian president Leonid Tibilov Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS

South Ossetian president Leonid Tibilov

© Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS

TSKHINVAL, November 19. /TASS/. South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov does not rule out that Georgian nationals fighting alongside Islamic State could get into his country.

"According to available information, some Georgian nationals are fighting alongside Islamic State," he said, adding that they could possibly cross into South Ossetia.

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"We must be vigilant, secure our borders and take all measures to ensure the safety of our citizens," the president told a session with the leadership of security agencies.

He ordered a set of long-term measures to enhance security as well as tighter security in protecting the sources of drinking water - water reservoirs and water-distributing stations.

Upon instructions of President Tibilov, police and border guards have been placed on alert since Monday. Law enforcement officers checked all educational and medical establishments early on Thursday after information had come about terrorist attacks allegedly plotted in the republic.

Security concerns are top on the agenda following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the crash of a Russian A321 airliner downed by a bomb.

Tags

Georgia South Ossetia Islamic State

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