US Classifies Two Russians as Global Terrorists
by VOA News July 13, 2016
The U.S. Department of State has named two Russians as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists," including one who officials say is responsible for deadly attacks in Moscow.
Aslan Avgazarovich Byutukaev, also known as Amir Khamzat, is the Islamic State leader in Chechnya, according to the State Department. A statement said that since becoming an IS leader 13 months ago, he has planned attacks for the terrorist group. The statement also said that in November of last year, Russian special forces discovered a large bomb hidden on the side of the road in Ingushetia, thwarting an IS attack planned by Byutukaev.
Byutukaev also directed a 2011 suicide bombing that killed 35 people at an airport in Russia's capital city of Moscow, officials say.
Separately, the State Department said Ayrat Nasimovich Vakhitov, who goes by the name Salman Bulgarsky, has fought in Syria and recruits militants via the internet to travel to Syria. Officials say he is linked to the group Jaysh al-Muhajirin Wal Ansar.
"Today's action notifies the U.S. public and the international community that Aslan Avgazarovich Byutukaev and Ayrat Nasimovich Vakhitov are actively engaged in terrorism," the State Department said.
The designation prohibits Americans from interacting with the two and freezes any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
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