A group of prisoners at a penal colony in southwestern Russia has taken hostages and killed at least one staff member, according to the country’s prison administration. The incident occurred during a disciplinary commission session at penal colony 19 in Surovikino, with the attackers claiming to be affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group. The exact number of attackers, hostages, and victims is still unclear, with conflicting information circulating on various channels.
An unverified video shows three assailants brandishing knives and standing over injured or dead prison guards. The attackers have reportedly demanded a helicopter and $2 million. Russian security services are said to be preparing to storm the building.
This incident comes amidst a series of Islamist terrorist attacks in Russia, following the country’s invasion of Ukraine and crackdown on anti-war dissent. In March, a mass shooting at a concert hall near Moscow killed 145 people. In June, a synagogue in Derbent and an Orthodox church in Makhatchkala were targeted by gunmen, resulting in the deaths of 19 people.
Questions about Russia’s prison security measures have been raised following this incident, as well as a similar attack in June where six inmates were killed after taking staff members hostage at a detention center. The prisoners in that incident were also accused of ties to the Islamic State. The situation remains tense as authorities work to free the hostages and ensure the safety of all involved.
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