MINSK, 14 October (BelTA) – The state of counterterrorism operation has not been declared in Belarus, the State Security Committee (KGB) told BelTA.
A source in the KGB said: “No counterterrorism operation has taken place or is taking place right now in the territory of the Republic of Belarus. Information available on the Internet is false.”
The KGB explained: “A counterterrorism operation means special measures taken to stop an act of terrorism, minimize its consequences, stop the operation of a terrorist organization or an illegally armed unit, which are implemented in order to protect interests of the state, ensure the security of citizens and organizations, and neutralize terrorists. In accordance with law No.77-3 ‘On fight against terrorism' of 3 January 2002 the state of counterterrorism operation has to be declared by the State Security Committee.”
According to the source, scheduled training events are in progress in Belarus now in order to maintain a high level of readiness of the agencies in charge of fighting terrorism. The Internal Affairs Ministry's special tactical exercise, which ended in Yelsk, Gomel Oblast on 12 October, is a case in point. The exercise proceeded in concert with representatives of defense, security, and law enforcement agencies and municipal authorities.
