MINSK (BELARUS) – The government said on Thursday that it suspected a group of alleged Russian mercenaries, who were detained a day earlier, of hatching a plot of terrorism ahead of the presidential poll in August. Minsk also summoned the Russian ambassador for an explanation.
The way in which Minsk handles the situation risks annoying its traditional ally, Moscow.
The government said on Wednesday that as many as 30 suspected Russian mercenaries were arrested near the capital following a tip-off that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destabilise it ahead of the Aug. 9 poll.
Belarusian Security Council State Secretary Andrei Ravkov said 200 mercenaries were still at large in the country and law enforcement agents were looking for them.
According to state media, the detained mercenaries worked for Wagner, Russia’s notorious private military contractor.
Footage of the mercenaries’ belongings filmed during their arrest revealed Sudanese currency and a Sudan phone card.
This is the latest twist in the presidential campaign which is a big challenge to the President Alexander Lukashenko who rules with an iron fist.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field
