Russian special forces successfully freed two prison guards held hostage by inmates linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) at a detention center in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday. The Federal Penitentiary Service confirmed that six hostage-takers were killed during the operation.
The incident began when six inmates, some convicted of terrorism offenses and alleged to be affiliated with ISIS, managed to break out of their cell by knocking out window bars. They then took two guards hostage using a knife and fire axe. One of the inmates was seen in a video, published by the 112 Telegram channel, brandishing a knife and wearing a headband with the ISIS flag.
State media reported that the inmates demanded safe passage out of the prison. The Federal Penitentiary Service stated, “The employees who were being held hostage were released. They are uninjured.” Intense gunfire was heard during the operation, with footage showing the aftermath of the special forces’ intervention, where the six inmates were seen lying in pools of blood.
The Islamic State, a Sunni Muslim militant group, has been responsible for numerous attacks globally. The group, which once held significant territory in Iraq and Syria, has splintered into various regional factions following its defeat by U.S.-led forces and allies. In March, ISIS claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, which resulted in the deaths of 145 people.
🇷🇺 In a detention center in Rostov, convicted ISIS terrorists took hostage two employees of the Federal Service for the Execution of Punishments, negotiations failed. In the course of the assault, the terrorists were liquidated and the hostages were released pic.twitter.com/Uh69ecLdEd
— Shal0paika (@Shal0paika) June 16, 2024
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