Key Highlights
- Azerbaijan arrests three men for planning attack on Israeli embassy at behest of ISIS-K.
- The suspects obtained weapons and were preparing to attack the mission in Baku months ago.
- ISIS-K claimed responsibility for a 2024 Moscow attack that killed at least 145 people.
Azerbaijan Cracks Down on ISIS Plotters
The Azerbaijani authorities have made a significant arrest, nabbing three men suspected of planning an attack on the Israeli embassy in Baku. This move comes at a time when tensions between Azerbaijan and Israel are high, with both nations wary of extremist threats.
Background and Context
Azerbaijan, a country of about 10 million people bordering Russia and Iran, has been increasingly vigilant against extremist activities since the resurgence of ISIS. The State Security Service announced that the three suspects were involved in obtaining weapons and had planned to strike a foreign embassy, though they did not specify which one.
Age of Suspects
The men arrested, born in 2000 and 2005 respectively, have been identified by name. Their relatively young age underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS-inspired youth, who are often radicalized through online platforms and extremist networks.
ISIS-K’s History of Violence
The Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), an offshoot of the broader ISIS group operating in Afghanistan, has a track record of deadly attacks. In October 2024, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow that left at least 145 people dead. This event marked one of the deadliest terrorist acts in Russia since the Beslan school siege in 2004.
ISIS-K’s continued presence and activities in Central Asia are a cause for concern, with authorities across the region on high alert. Azerbaijan, with its predominantly Muslim population, is particularly vulnerable to such threats given its strategic position between Russia and Iran, both of which have been actively combating extremist groups within their borders.
Previous ISIS-Linked Attacks
Azerbaijan’s security forces have not been idle in the face of these threats. In a separate case last October, an Azerbaijani court sentenced a man affiliated with ISIS-K to 13 years in prison for plotting an attack on a Baku synagogue using a Molotov cocktail in December 2024.
International tensions have also escalated recently. The Israeli missions abroad have faced several attempted attacks in quick succession.
In September 2025, Dutch authorities foiled an attempt to burn down the Israeli embassy. In May, Iranian men were arrested in the UK over a plot to attack the London embassy. Just weeks earlier, two Swedish teens were apprehended for throwing hand grenades at the Danish embassy.
Conclusion
The recent arrests highlight the ongoing challenge of combating ISIS-inspired terrorism in the region. As Azerbaijan continues its efforts to secure its borders and protect its citizens, it remains a critical battleground against extremist ideologies that threaten regional stability and security.
You might think this is new, but such plots are not uncommon. The global fight against terrorism requires constant vigilance and cooperation among nations to keep dangerous actors in check.
