Three Georgian citizens suspected of being members of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group have been detained in the Pankisi Gorge.
According to Oxu.Az citing Interpress, the information was provided by Lasha Magradze, First Deputy Head of the Georgian State Security Service.
The detentions occurred during an operation on the night of May 19 in the villages of Omalo, Birkiani, and Jokolo in the Pankisi Gorge.
Investigation revealed that the detained individuals had joined ISIS ranks and received instructions from foreign curators to carry out terrorist activities. They are alleged to have attempted to establish a pro-terrorist group in the Pankisi Gorge and recruit others.
According to reports, they held secret meetings and promoted ISIS ideology.
During the arrest, firearms, ammunition, explosives, computer equipment, and mobile phones were seized. The police also discovered the flag and symbols of the Islamic State terrorist organization.
They are being investigated under Article 328 (participation in a foreign terrorist organization) and Article 236 (illegal circulation of weapons and explosives) of the Georgian Criminal Code. The suspects face up to 17 years in prison.
