(Dan Tri) – Voronezh authorities in southwestern Russia announced an anti-terrorism operation there, in the context that the leader of the private military group Wagner is carrying out a military riot.
A member of the Wagner group appeared in the city of Rostov-on-Don (Photo: Reuters).
Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev said on June 24 that the Russian military is conducting an anti-terrorism campaign in the area, but did not provide further details.
`The Russian armed forces are carrying out the necessary operational measures on the territory of the Voronezh region as part of the anti-terrorist operation. I will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments,`
The capital Moscow, Moscow region and Voronezh had previously tightened security and taken anti-terrorism measures after the leader of the private military group Wagner was accused of carrying out a military riot.
In addition, Mr. Gusev said, local firefighters are trying to put out a fire at the fuel depot.
Map of Voronezh and Rostov-on-Don (Photo: BBC)
Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee said on June 23 that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) had opened a criminal investigation against Mr. Yevgeny Prigozhin accusing him of inciting armed rebellion.
Previously, he accused the Russian military of conducting a missile attack that killed many members of Wagner’s private military force.
Afterwards, Wagner announced control of a series of military facilities in the Russian cities of Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh, including an airport.
In today’s speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the rebellion of the private military corporation Wagner was an act of treason, and warned of appropriate sanctions.
Mr. Putin condemned the rebellion as an act of `stabbing in the back` and Mr. Prigozhin had betrayed Russia.
`What we face is precisely betrayal. Arrogant ambition and personal gain led to betrayal,` Mr. Putin said, referring to Mr. Prigozhin’s actions.
Meanwhile, the FSB called on Wagner members not to follow Mr. Prigozhin’s instructions and is taking measures to arrest him.
Boss Wagner declared he would not surrender
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin (Photo: Getty).
According to AFP, after President Putin’s speech, boss Wagner spoke up.
`Regarding the accusation of treason, the President is not correct. We are patriots. There is no one (in the Wagner force) who intends to surrender at the request of the President, the FSB or anyone else
Previously, Mr. Putin said that any internal disorder is a threat to Russia.
He warned that all those who follow the path of treason will be punished and held accountable.