An incident at a prison in Russia’s Volgograd region on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least three prison guards.
Inmates with alleged links to the Islamic State (IS) staged a takeover at the IK-19 prison colony, seizing hostages and attacking staff.
Russian special forces intervened after an extended standoff, killing all four attackers.
The situation was reported to be the second such event involving IS-affiliated prisoners since June, following increased ethnic tensions after a March terror attack in Moscow.
During the siege, which began while a disciplinary meeting was underway, the attackers reportedly injured several guards and prisoners.
Videos circulating on social media during the attack showed guards in distress and the assailants displaying IS symbols. One attacker claimed the violence was in retaliation for Russia’s treatment of Muslims.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that the matter would be addressed in an upcoming Security Council meeting.
Regional officials have stated that the attackers’ identities are unconfirmed, but they emphasized Russia’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
The Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Russia condemned the attack and suggested it was instigated from outside the country. This incident follows a similar hostage situation in June and comes amid heightened sensitivity around ethnic and migration issues in Russia.
