Inmates Seize Control of Detainee Facility in Russia
In the heart of Russia, there's a surge of violent incidents, with the Islamic State taking credit. The latest alleged incident involves a prison break, where hostages are involved, and it appears to be an action of IS loyalists. The terrorists are demanding gunfire, a means of escape, and safe passage in exchange for the release of the hostages.
In the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, six inmates of a detention center attempted an escape, taking two guards as prisoners. Through media outlets, a hostage-taker seems to proclaim their allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). The spokesperson for the security forces confirmed that the hostage-takers were indeed incarcerated for terror-related offenses, as reported by the state news agency TASS.
The breakout was said to have occurred early in the morning. The inmates reportedly broke the cell window bars and entered the readiness rooms. There, they allegedly abducted the head of the operations unit. Equipped with knives and other sharp tools, the men made their demand for weapons, a vehicle, and safe passage for the hostages.
Official reports suggest that the prison break has been contained. In other parts of the prison, the monitoring of inmates continues as normal. The police have restricted traffic around the prison, investigating whether the prison break was orchestrated from outside, according to the security forces.
Russia has been rocked by numerous violent incidents, with the jihadist militia taking credit. In March, a horror struck a concert hall in Moscow, killing at least 144 and injuring hundreds. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State. Over 20 suspects were arrested, among them the four alleged perpetrators, originating from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan.
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In light of these incidents, Russia's authorities are investigating potential links between the prison break and outside terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State. The hostage-takers' demands for weapons and safe passage echo the tactics often used by the Islamic State in their terror attacks worldwide.
