The State Security Service has arrested two individuals — one foreign citizen and one Georgian citizen — on charges of joining a foreign terrorist organization and assisting terrorist activities.

As Deputy Head of the SSS, Lasha Maghradze, stated at a briefing, a joint special operation was carried out by the Counterterrorism Center and the Special Operations Department in Gardabani Municipality and the Adjara region.

According to Maghradze, the detained individuals joined the ranks of the terrorist organization “Islamic State” and took an oath of allegiance. They were also prepared to carry out any orders issued by the leaders of “Islamic State.”

“Within the framework of a joint special operation conducted by the Counterterrorism Center and the Special Operations Department of the State Security Service of Georgia in Gardabani Municipality and the Adjara region, one foreign citizen and one Georgian citizen were detained in Batumi.

The Counterterrorism Center was previously aware of these individuals, and we also had advance information regarding their entry into Georgia and the purpose of their arrival. They entered Georgia separately and stayed in a rented apartment. From the moment of entry, both individuals were under the operational control of the Counterterrorism Center, based on court orders.

The investigation established that these individuals joined the terrorist organization ‘Islamic State,’ took an oath of allegiance (so-called bay’ah), which they recorded in video form and sent to the organization’s leaders, thereby expressing unconditional obedience. They were prepared to carry out any type of assignment given by the leaders of ‘Islamic State.’ The investigation also established that the detainees were planning to leave Georgia for another country, where they were to join ISIS fighters.

As a result of investigative actions, electronic storage devices, unregistered SIM cards, mobile phones, items bearing ISIS symbols, masks, personal documents, and other relevant evidence were seized.

The investigation is being conducted under Article 328 of the Criminal Code, which refers to joining a foreign terrorist organization and assisting terrorist activities. The offense carries a penalty of 10 to 17 years of imprisonment.

The State Security Service is a reliable partner in the international counterterrorism system. We continue to actively carry out preventive measures related to international terrorism,” Maghradze said.