Russia says prominent 'Islamist' killed in North Caucasus
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 10 November 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia says prominent 'Islamist' killed in North Caucasus, 10 November 2015, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/56813d0715.html [accessed 27 June 2017] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 10, 2015
Russian officials say a ringleader of Islamist militants in the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria has been killed in a special operation.
Russia's National Antiterrorism Committee (NAK) said the man killed by security forces in the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik, on November 10, was identified as Robert Zankishiyev, aka Abdullah, who "had vowed loyalty to the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq" earlier this year.
Russia's North Caucasus region is beset by violence linked to an Islamist insurgency rooted in two post-Soviet separatist wars in Chechnya as well as organized crime, political disputes, and clan rivalries.
Russian Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika said in Russia's Black Sea port city of Sochi on November 10 that citizens from some 100 countries – including Russia and former Soviet republics in the Caucasus and Central Asia – are fighting along IS militants in Syria and Iraq.
Based on reporting by TASS, RIA Novosti, and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
