The FSB announced the arrest of a local resident in the Altai Territory on suspicion of attempting to set fire to a facility belonging to the Ministry of Defense. The Regional Directorate of the FSB of Russia reported the finding to TASS. The intelligence agency indicates that a 44-year-old man sought to carry out a terrorist act in Barnaul. The FSB states that in November 2023 the man went online and contacted a representative of a paramilitary terrorist organization that is banned in Russia. The ministry determined that the man claimed he was prepared to unleash a terrorist attack against the administrative buildings of Barnaul and against high ranking regional officials. According to the FSB, under the guidance of the curator, the suspect assembled Molotov cocktails intended to ignite one of the Ministry of Defense facilities. The person who attempted to organize the attack was detained. A criminal case was opened on charges of attempting to commit a terrorist act and a criminal complaint was filed against the detained individual. The ministry also noted that the man confessed to the crime and remained in custody. The report notes that a former resident of Ukraine, who had previously been imprisoned, received an eight year sentence for attempting a terrorist attack on a Russian city. This developing case is being monitored as authorities emphasize vigilance against violent extremism and the use of online channels to coordinate illicit acts. Authorities indicate that additional investigative steps are forthcoming as they assess the full scope of the plot and the network involved. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about security near sensitive military sites and the potential for lone actors to engage with banned organizations through digital platforms. The agency reiterates its commitment to counterterrorism efforts and to safeguarding critical infrastructure across the region. The case illustrates how digital communications can translate into real-world threats and how law enforcement responds with swift action to prevent harm. The detained individual has provided testimony consistent with the accusations, reinforcing the case built by investigators. The broader implications of this incident continue to be analyzed by security services as they work to dismantle any channels that could enable similar plans in the future.
