Russia: Suspect Arrested in St. Petersburg Bombing

Russian security officials announced that one person has been arrested in connection with the bombing on Thursday in St. Petersburg, which left 18 injured. The Associated Press reported that Russian security forces detained this individual on Saturday, January 9, but the Federal Security Service of Russia did not provide information about the identity of the arrested person or their motivation, only stating that they organized and carried out the operation. The group known as the Islamic State or ISIS claimed responsibility for the explosion that occurred in a supermarket, but a member of the State Duma's Security Committee expressed doubt about the validity of this claim, stating that ISIS is attempting to re-establish itself in public view. Adilbi Shakhgushov stated, 'Now that ISIS has been defeated in Syria and its image has been severely damaged, it is trying to reappear and even take responsibility for attacks carried out by others.' According to the Federal Security Service of Russia, the arrested individual is currently in the custody of the 'Investigative Committee,' which is considered the highest investigative body in Russia. Meanwhile, Interfax reported that the main suspect in this incident is a 35-year-old man who has joined one of the underground secret groups. This report also indicates that he was using drugs. The Russian constitutional enforcement agency preferred not to label the St. Petersburg explosion as a terrorist attack, but President Vladimir Putin described it as a terrorist incident. Mr. Putin also stated that he has instructed Russian security agencies not to hesitate in dealing with those suspected of terrorist actions and to eliminate them. He emphasized that Russia's military involvement in the Syrian civil war has led militants to attempt to target Russia. Earlier this spring, a suicide bombing in St. Petersburg resulted in 16 deaths and over 50 injuries. Russia also recently announced that, with the help of the CIA, it had thwarted plans for several bombings in St. Petersburg.