Terror plot reportedly foiled in Tajikistan, 10 arrested
A Tajik soldier is pictured at Dushanbe airport on January 1, 2012.
Tajik authorities on Saturday said they had foiled a terror plot in Dushanbe and detained 10 young men allegedly responsible, according to Agence-France Press.
The suspects were Tajiks believed trained in Waziristan, a stronghold of Islamist activity in Pakistan's northwest, said Azerbaijan's Trend.
According to the Tajik interior ministry, the 10 are accused of "preparing a series of blasts on government facilities in four districts of Dushanbe… a hostage siege, and subsequently the presentation of ultimatums to the authorities during the presidential elections," reported AFP.
In November, Tajikistan will hold a presidential vote that longtime leader Emomali Rakhmon, in power since 1992, is seen as likely to "win."
Among those arrested on Saturday is the believed ringleader of a 2010 bomb attack on a night club in Dushanbe, according to AFP.
The ministry said it will release more information about the case on September 23, reported Azerbaijan's Trend, citing local press.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.