Extremists are set to accelerate tensions in the North Caucasus republics since the number of terrorism-related crimes have increased to almost 500 since the beginning of the year, the Russian interior minister said on Monday.
"Militant leaders actively recruit young people with extremist views," Rashid Nurgaliyev said, adding the terrorists skillfully use drawbacks in the economy, local authorities' miscalculations and unemployment as the main reasons triggering extremism.
Since the beginning of the year, 489 terrorism-related crimes have been registered in the North Caucasus Federal District, Nurgaliyev said, adding that it is necessary to establish a united law enforcement system in the region.
The criminals should face severe punishment, the minister said.
On September 9, a terrorist attack devastated the main market in the capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz, part of Russia's troubled North Caucasus region. Seventeen people including the suicide bomber were killed, at least 161 were injured.
PYATIGORSK, September 13 (RIA Novosti)
