04 April 2017, 19:28
Experts do not exclude Zalim Shebzukhov's involvement in plotting terror act in Saint Petersburg
An explosion in Saint Petersburg could be prepared by Zalim Shebzukhov, one of the leaders of the North-Caucasian militants or his supporters. This opinion was voiced by experts questioned by the "Caucasian Knot".
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 3, 14 persons were killed in the terror act committed in the Saint Petersburg metro. According to the Kyrgyz State National Security Committee, a Russian citizen, born in Kyrgyzstan, is suspected of organizing the explosion.
On August 17, 2016, during a special operation carried out in Saint Petersburg, law enforcers killed Zalim Shebzukhov, one of the leaders of the North-Caucasian militants. Together with him, Astemir Sheriev and Vyacheslav Nyrov were also killed.
Despite six months passed since Zalim Shebzukhov had been killed, it could be assumed that he himself was involved in plotting of the terror act while he was still alive or that his supporters or subordinates were involved. This opinion was voiced by Akhmet Yarlykapov, Senior Researcher of the Centre for Ethnopolitical Studies of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
According to him, even after successful counterterrorist operations (CTOs) in Northern Caucasus, armed groupings can ensure the movement of militant leaders. Supporters of Zalim Shebzukhov could stay in Saint Petersburg, and they could continue plotting a terror act.
According to Akhmet Yarlykapov, the militants "intend to bring the war out of the Caucasus, first of all, with the help of terror acts in Moscow and Saint Petersburg."
Sergey Goncharov, President of the International Association of Veterans of the anti-terror unit "Alpha", does not rule out that subordinates of Zalim Shebzukhov could plant a bomb without using a suicide bomber.
Sergey Goncharov believes that the terrorists will continue to attack policemen.
Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.
Author: Oleg Krasnov Source: CK correspondent