Georgian Counterterrorism Center detains three ‘linked to foreign terrorist organization’

The Counterterrorism Center of the State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia has detained three Georgian citizens in connection with their involvement in a foreign terrorist organization and providing support for terrorist activities, the SSS Deputy Chief Lasha Magradze announced at a briefing on Monday.

Magradze said the investigation revealed that members of the so-called “Takbirist Jamaat”, an extremist group shaped by radical terrorist ideology, had connections with influential foreign leaders of the Islamic State. Acting on judicial orders, the Counterterrorism Center conducted special operations at five separate locations in the Adjara region, resulting in the arrests.

“Based on evidence obtained during operational and investigative activities, certain terrorist activities were identified. Members of the Takbirist Jamaat, under the guidance of influential foreign Islamic State figures, formed a radical-extremist group characterized by extreme aggression toward followers of other religions,” Magradze said.

Authorities reported that the group planned to smuggle foreign Islamic State members into Georgia, establish a base, provide illegal housing and logistical support for affiliates, and use Georgian territory as a transit point for terrorist activities.

During early-morning investigative actions, officers seized items displaying terrorist symbols, explosives, large quantities of ammunition, firearms, military equipment, mobile phones, electronic storage devices, significant sums of various currencies, and other evidence relevant to the investigation.

The probe is being conducted under Articles 236 and 328 of the Georgian Criminal Code, covering the illegal acquisition and storage of firearms, ammunition, explosives, membership in a foreign terrorist organization, and assistance in terrorist activities. Convictions under these articles carry a maximum sentence of 17 years imprisonment.