State Security Service detains member of illegal armed group wanted since 2009

Azerbaijan's State Security Service (SSS) has secured the detention and extradition to Azerbaijan of Namig Aghalarov, who had been internationally wanted since 2009. He is accused of taking part in armed attacks on international forces personnel and representatives of international organizations.

According to TodayPress TV, Aghalarov was detained as part of ongoing counterterrorism and operational-search measures. Following his delivery to Azerbaijan, he was brought under investigation.

According to the investigation, in 2008–2009, Aghalarov was in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries, where he operated as part of illegal armed groups.

He is accused of helping organize armed ambushes targeting members of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which operated under a UN mandate, as well as using remotely controlled explosive devices.

Aghalarov is also accused of helping organize armed attacks on representatives of international organizations, citizens of various countries carrying out international missions, and logistics networks.

In subsequent years, he hid in different countries under various names in an attempt to evade responsibility.

There is also information that Aghalarov engaged in the propaganda of jihadism and radical religious ideas.