Military Elite Intercepts Hostage Situation in Russian Penitentiary
In the Russian region of Volgograd, a distressing situation unfolded at a correctional facility, as inmates seized several guards, as reported by the National Guard. They've announced the successful rescue of these captives. Regrettably, both among the captors and the victims, there have been losses of life, as per the region's governor.
Special operations forces intervened, reporting the elimination of four inmates who had seized prison staff as hostages, according to a Telegram message from the National Guard. The hostages have since been released. However, Governor Andrei Bocharov made it known on Telegram that some of the hostages had also succumbed to their injuries.
Initial reports indicated that prison staff had been taken hostage, with at least one guard confirmed dead. The commotion at IK-19 facility was tagged as resulting in casualties, the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) reported on Telegram. Their message read, "Efforts are underway to liberate the hostages." The incident occurred during a disciplinary committee meeting at the penitentiary, the FSIN added.
The identities of the hostage takers or their motives remain undisclosed by authorities. Circulating on Russian online platforms, though unverifiable, were videos showcasing several guards lying helplessly on the ground, some appearing injured, while being taken hostage. At least two other individuals could be seen on their feet, with one voicing in Arabic. Additionally, the latter claimed allegiance to the radical Islamic State (IS) militant group in Russia.
This prove-to-be deadly incident isn't the first of its kind in a Russian prison this year. Back in June, inmates who had pledged allegiance to the IS militant group held two guards hostage in a different correctional facility, located in the southern region of Rostov. Russian special forces then managed to neutralize the hostage takers and rescue the guards.
The European Union expressed concern over the escalating violence in Russian prisons, as reported by its human rights monitor. The situation in Volgograd's correctional facility highlights the need for reforms within the Russian penal system, stated a European Union spokesperson.
