A violent revolt at a high-security prison in Russia's Volgograd region ended in a deadly standoff involving prisoners, hostages, and Russian special forces. Here’s a breakdown of how the events unfolded.
The Revolt Begins
- Location: IK-19 Surovikino penal colony, Volgograd region, Russia.
- Incident: A group of prisoners armed with knives launched an attack during a routine disciplinary meeting.
- Attackers: Four inmates, identified as Ramzidin Toshev (28), Rustamchon Navruzi (23), Nazirchon Toshov (28), and Temur Khusinov (29), all from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
- Action: The prisoners slashed guards with knives, injuring several, and took 8 prison employees and 4 fellow convicts hostage.
- Claim: The attackers declared allegiance to ISIS, claiming the attack was revenge for the persecution of Muslims.
The Hostage Situation
- Images and Videos: Circulated on social media, showing a prisoner with a knife over a bloodied guard and another hostage with a blood-covered face.
- Prisoners' Demands: Not explicitly stated, but their declaration to ISIS suggests a political or religious motivation.
Response from Russian Special Forces
- Deployment: Heavily armed troops and elite snipers from the Rosgvardia National Guard were sent to the prison.
- Location of Standoff: The remote town of Surovikino, about 850 kilometers south of Moscow.
The Final Assault
- Action Taken: After hours of negotiations, Russian special forces decided to storm the facility.
- Outcome:
- Four attackers were shot dead by snipers.
- Four prison employees were killed; three on the spot and one later at the hospital.
- Several guards and prisoners were injured, some seriously.
Aftermath
- Official Statement: "Snipers of the special forces of the Russian National Guard in the Volgograd region, with four precise shots, neutralised four prisoners who had taken prison employees hostage. The hostages have been released," according to state news agency RIA, quoting the national guard.
- Similar Incidents: This was the second such incident in recent months, following a similar revolt in June at a prison in the Rostov region, also involving ISIS-affiliated prisoners.
Government Response
- President's Briefing: Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed about the situation during a virtual meeting with security chiefs. It was confirmed that there was no threat to the civilian population.
- Governor's Statement: "Everyone on our territory is obliged to respect and comply with the laws of Russia. We will not allow anyone to try to incite ethnic discord," stated Andrei Bocharov, Volgograd's regional governor.
