Georgian security service arrests three on terrorism-related charges in Pankisi Gorge

Georgia’s State Security Service of Georgia on Tuesday said three Georgian citizens had been arrested on charges linked to membership in a foreign terrorist organisation and assisting terrorist activities.

Speaking at a briefing Tuesday, the agency said the arrests were carried out overnight during what it described as a large-scale operation in the villages of Omalo, Birkiani and Jokolo in the Pankisi Gorge.

According to the State Security Service, the operation was conducted jointly by officers from its Counterterrorism Centre and Special Operations Department.

Investigators alleged the detainees joined the militant group Islamic State and received instructions from abroad for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities.

The agency said the suspects attempted to establish a pro-Islamic State “jamaat” in the Pankisi Gorge and sought to recruit other individuals into terrorist activity through clandestine meetings and the promotion of extremist ideology.

Authorities said covert investigative measures and operational-search activities had been carried out under court authorisation during the investigation.

During searches, investigators reportedly seized several firearms, explosive substances, ammunition, mobile phones, computer equipment and other electronic storage devices, as well as an Islamic State flag, items bearing the group’s symbols and personal documents.

The crime carries sentences of between 10 and 17 years.