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Counter-terrorism operation regime declared for North Caucasus city

It was imposed due to suspicion that members of a religious extremist group were hiding in a house in the area

© NAK of Russia/NewsTeam/TASS, archive

NALCHIK, September 18. /TASS/. The counter-terrorism operation regime was declared in Russia’s North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria on Wednesday, a source in Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) told TASS.

"The counter-terrorism operation regime was declared in the city of Chegem, in some of its districts, starting from 5:00 [Moscow time]," the source said.

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Russia’s FSB foils terrorist plots against federal agencies in North Caucasus

The operation’s headquarters specified that the counter-terrorism operation regime was declared due to suspicion that members of a religious extremist group were hiding in a house in the area.

"On September 17, 2019, while carrying out investigative activities, law enforcement officers received information about members of religious extremist groups and their abettors, plotting terrorism-related crimes, who were reportedly staying at a private house in the city of Chegem," the operation’s headquarters issued a statement.

"In line with the federal law, in order to foil an act of terror, minimize its possible consequences and protect vitally important interests of individuals, society and the state, the head of the FSB office in Kabardino-Balkaria, Voronin S.V., made the decision to carry out a counter-terrorism operation and impose the relevant regime at some areas in the city of Chegem," the statement reads.

The counter-terrorism operation regime implies that some special measures and temporary restrictions will be in place in the area, including identity checks and detention of persons unable to prove their identity, as well as enhanced security measures and control over phone conversations.

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