![[FILE] Russian policemen and investigators stand in front of Volgograd railway station in Volgograd, Russia, 29 December 2013. EPA/FILE/STR](https://i0.wp.com/efe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/rss-efef1eeb33e90ec9800034cc307914098195adf2b2dw.jpg?fit=1920%2C1255&ssl=1)
Moscow, Aug 23 (EFE).— Russian security forces neutralized four inmates identifying as Islamic State militants after they staged a deadly mutiny and took hostages in a Volgograd maximum-security penal colony.
“Snipers from the Russian National Guard’s special forces in the Volgograd region neutralized four inmates with precise shots after they took prison staff hostage. All hostages have been safely freed,” the state-run TASS news agency reported, citing law enforcement officials.
The National Guard released a video showing special forces officers in full camouflage gear with pixelated faces. The footage also depicted unmarked white minibuses and ambulances outside the prison.
Earlier, Russian Telegram channels reported the start of the raid on the IK-19 high-security prison, based on statements from residents of Surivikino, a nearby town.
Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) stated on Telegram that the mutineers had taken eight prison employees and four inmates hostage.
Volgograd Governor Andrey Bocharov said that some hostages were killed.
“Unfortunately, there are people dead from the actions of the criminals,” Bocharov said in a statement on Telegram. He did not specify how many people the attackers had killed.
According to reports, four prison employees were stabbed by the attackers and three of them died on the spot. Four others were hospitalized, with one later succumbing to injuries.
The four inmates taken hostage were also injured.
FSIN confirmed that no officers involved in the rescue operation were harmed.
Earlier, a group of inmates at the Volgograd prison, identifying themselves as members of the Islamic State, revolted and took several staff members hostage, demanding a $2 million ransom and a helicopter to flee to Georgia.
The seriousness of the situation led Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the riot during a Russian Security Council meeting, where he received reports from the Interior Ministry and the heads of the National Guard and penitentiary services. EFE
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