Bulletin From the Borderlands Flash Report

26 June 2024

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Flash Report: Islamist Attacks in Russia

Jillian Butler

A member of Rosgvardiya (National Guard of Russia) securing the area after the Crocus City Hall attack. (AP photo)

Islamist militants targeted several places of worship in Russia’s Republic of Dagestan over the weekend. The Islamic State has not officially been blamed for the attack, but it is suspected of playing a role. Given this attack in Dagestan, the Crocus City attack in late March, and a recent hostage situation at the hands of IS members, it is clear that Russia has a counterterrorism issue. 

Crocus Hall Attack

On March 22, 2024, four armed gunmen entered the sold-out venue of Crocus Music Hall in the outskirts of Moscow. Upon unloading their weapons, they also set a fire in the hall. Over 500 people were injured and at least 150 killed. Russia initially blamed this attack on Ukraine. However, it came to light that the perpetrators were ethnically Tajik. Two weeks before the attack, American intelligence warned Russia of an Islamic State attack specifically targeting large public events. The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) then took credit for the attack. This was the deadliest terrorist attack on Russian soil in over two decades. Additionally, this was ISKP’s first successful attack in Russia and first mass casualty attack outside its normal operating areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and  Iran. Following the attack, 11 individuals were arrested.  Four appeared in court appearing to have been beaten and tortured.