Islamic State Militants Seize Hostages in Russian Prison

Islamic State militants attacked guards and took hostages in a Russian penal colony, resulting in at least one confirmed death. Videos and news reports suggest the death toll could be higher, with the attackers identified as citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Knife-wielding prisoners identifying themselves as Islamic State militants staged a bloody attack on guards in a Russian penal colony on Friday, seizing hostages, state media and news outlets with ties to security services reported.

A video posted by the news channel Mash showed at least two attackers, with one proclaiming control of the prison in the Volgograd region. Visuals depicted four uniformed prison officials in pools of blood; three appeared lifeless, one with his throat cut, and a fourth being held by the neck by a knife-wielding man.

State media confirmed at least one prison staff member's death, while the video indicated a likely higher toll. The prison service stated that measures are underway to free the hostages. The attackers, reportedly from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, targeted the 'harsh regime' penal colony that can hold up to 1,241 prisoners.

Russia has seen a surge in Islamist militant attacks, including a June prison uprising in Rostov where special forces killed six hostage-takers. In the same month, shooting attacks in Dagestan resulted in 20 deaths. March saw an Islamic State attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed over 140 people.

(With inputs from agencies.)