"A total of 156 militants, including 36 ring leaders, some of whom led the Imarat Kavkaz [Caucasus Emirate] international terrorist organization, have been eliminated in counter-terrorist operations and combat operations. A total of 20 out of 26 leaders of militant groups that have pledged allegiance to the IS have been neutralized," Chaika said in a report due to be presented to Russia's Federation Council on Wednesday.
As a result of the operations, organized underground militant groups have been paralyzed, while their growth has been stunted, according to the report.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has been active in countering terrorist activities inside Russia. In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the FSB had prevented over 30 terror-related crimes in 2015. In late February, Putin praised the work of Russian intelligence in countering terrorism in Syria and at home.
Daesh, which is outlawed Russia, has taken over large swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014. Since then, the extremist jihadist group has claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks around the world. Imarat Kavkaz, which operates in several republics in southern Russia, is linked to Al Qaeda, while its relationship with Daesh remains unclear.
