MOSCOW, August 28 (RIA Novosti) – Since Russia has faced a serious terrorist threat for more than two decades, it has developed a series of direct and indirect anti-terrorist measures, aimed at destroying Islamic militants and restoring the affected regions.
Antiterrorist operations, such as mapping out aggressors, destroying weapons and military vehicles, represent the main tactic used internationally in the struggle against terrorism.
For example, an active member of a North Caucasus Islamic terrorist group, 22-year-old Magomed Rasulov, was killed by Russian law-enforcement forces in The Republic of Dagestan on Wednesday. Russian news outlet “Voenniy Obozrevatel” informs that “according to the National Anti-Terrorist Committee, the late Rasulov was involved in armed skirmishes and the killing of residents of the Republic, including members of law-enforcement agencies.”
A day earlier, two other members of a terrorist group were killed in Dagestan. According to Alexander Bortnikov, the Chairman of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee, federal forces have managed to eliminate a total of 158 militants this year.
However, the complex domestic situation in the North Caucasus compelled Moscow to combine hard measures with soft power. The new strategy was aimed at developing local infrastructure and improving the socio-economic situation in the region. Unemployment, poverty and a lack of proper religious education have resulted in the radicalization of many young people, who considered extremist activity the only way to survive and express their grievances.
The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has stressed that the lack of proper education and a flawed interpretation of religious texts are the main factors driving participation in terrorist activities. “Today, the religious feelings of people, particularly Muslims, are being exploited to motivate them to participate in radical activities; many are inspired to take this terrible path of terrorist activity, thinking that they will serve God. However, Islam doesn’t teach anything like that,” he said.
In order to accelerate the socio-economic development of the region, modernize the educational system and improve living conditions, the Russian government established the Ministry of North Caucasus Affairs. The Ministry is responsible for implementing socio-economic policy in the North Caucasus Federal District and carrying out state programs.
