The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has detained one foreign national and one Georgian citizen in the city of Batumi.

As Lasha Maghradze, First Deputy Head of the State Security Service, announced at a briefing, the investigation has established that the individuals in question had joined the ranks of the terrorist organisation Islamic State, had sworn an oath of allegiance, the so-called bayah, recorded it in video form, and transmitted it to the organisation’s leaders.

It was further noted at the briefing that the investigation also reveals the detainees were in the process of travelling from Georgia to another country, where they were to join Islamic State fighters.

“Within the framework of a joint special operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Centre and the Special Operations Department of the Georgian State Security Service across Gardabani Municipality and the Adjara region, one foreign national and one Georgian citizen have been detained in the city of Batumi. The Counter-Terrorism Centre had prior knowledge of these individuals, as well as advanced intelligence regarding their entry into Georgia and the purpose of that entry. They arrived in Georgia separately and took up residence in a rented flat. From the very day of their arrival, both individuals were placed under operational surveillance by the Counter-Terrorism Centre, conducted in accordance with court orders.

The investigation has established that these individuals joined the ranks of the terrorist organisation Islamic State, swore an oath of allegiance, the so-called bayah, recorded it in video form, and transmitted it to the organisation’s leaders, thereby declaring their unconditional submission to them. They were prepared to carry out any task whatsoever at the behest of the Islamic State’s leaders.

The investigation also establishes that the detainees were travelling from Georgia to another country, where they were to join Islamic State fighters. As a result of investigative actions, the following items have been seized: electronic data storage devices, unregistered SIM cards, mobile telephones, items bearing the insignia of the terrorist organisation Islamic State, masks, personal documents, and other evidence of relevance to the case,” stated Lasha Maghradze.

As announced at the briefing held at the State Security Service, the investigation into the matter is proceeding under Article 328 of the Criminal Code, which covers joining a foreign terrorist organisation and providing assistance in terrorist activities. The offence carries a custodial sentence of between ten and seventeen years.

“The State Security Service is a reliable partner within the international system for combating terrorism. We are actively continuing to implement preventive measures in connection with international terrorism,” the SSSG stated at the briefing.