I recently read over a copy of the “Combating Terrorism” report as found on the Russian Ministry of Defense website. It contained a surprising amount of practical information, especially concerning Russian counterterrorism concepts and strategy.
It speaks in rather blunt terms about the reality of terrorism, which roughly translated from the Russia reads as follows:
“Terrorism has become part of day-to-day life in Russia and a relatively stable social phenomenon. It poses a growing threat to the security of many countries and their citizens, causes significant political, economic and moral damage, brings stress to lots of people and takes away lives, killing primarily civilians.
Moreover, terrorist attacks are becoming more diverse and complex. Terrorism today is a complex system of complementary aspects, including ideological, criminal, military, economic, political, religious and nationalistic ones. In general, terrorism is a response to the continuous foot dragging in resolving burning social issues.”
The report then delves into the legal framework for the fight against terrorism in Russia:
“The Military Forces of the Russian Federation fight terrorism under the auspices of the following legal documents: Constitution of the Russian Federation, Federal Law “On the Fight against Terrorism”, international treaties, executive orders of the Russian President, resolutions and directives of the RF Government, as well as directives issued by the RF Minister of Defense, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commanders-in-chief of the Armed Services of the Russian Federation, commanders of the fighting arms and commanders of military district forces (fleets).”
As stipulated by Federal Law of the Russian Federation No. 130-FZ of July 25, 1998 “On the Fight against Terrorism”, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation shall interface with the other agencies involved in counterterrorism operations to address the following tasks:
- Secure currently deployed weapons of mass destruction, missile fleet, small arms, ammunition and explosives;
- Defend assets of the RF Ministry of Defense;
- Secure national maritime traffic and the air space of the Russian Federation;
- Conduct counterterrorism operations.
Interestingly enough the Russian also define their counter terrorism strategy in very pragmatic terms:
Combating terrorism includes
1) Prevention
2) Identification
3) Suppression and
4) Minimization of terror effects.
Counterterrorism operations are “special operations”, according to the website, one that intends to 1) Suppress a terrorist attack, 2) Secure civilians, 3) Neutralize terrorists and 4) Minimize the effects of the attack.” Source: Russian Ministry of Defense http://eng.mil.ru/
See related video: Russian troops battle terrorists ЦСН ФСБ. Нальчик http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqexoNjrJvQ&feature=related.