Support The Moscow Times!

Turkey Arrests 2 Russian-Born Islamic State Militants

An Islamic State flag Dado Ruvic / Reuters

Two Russian citizens suspected of working for the Islamic State were arrested in Istanbul Tuesday night after authorities were tipped off to a possible plot to attack a transgender pride event, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the Turkish Dogan News Agency.

The Russian suspects are natives of the restive southern republic of Dagestan and are currently in Turkish custody awaiting charges, Reuters reported. Turkish officials did not immediately comment on the situation. The men were arrested with a third accomplice, a Turkish citizen.

Their arrest comes after Turkish officials discovered suicide vests in Istanbul suburbs last week. Officers told Reuters they were acting on intelligence reports suggesting the Islamic State was targeting a transgender pride parade originally scheduled for June 19. Authorities cancelled the rally citing safety concerns, but organizers said they intend to march again this weekend.

The Islamic State is a terrorist group banned in Russia.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more