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Azerbaijan arrests three men for planning embassy attack at behest of Islamic State offshoot
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 27, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 27, 2026
Home > Headlines > Azerbaijan arrests three men for planning embassy attack at behest of Islamic State offshoot
Quick Summary
Azerbaijan arrested three men planning a Baku embassy attack under ISIS-K orders, highlighting ongoing regional security threats.
Azerbaijan Detains Three Suspects Planning Embassy Attack for ISIS-K
Details of the Embassy Attack Plot
BAKU, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Authorities in Azerbaijan said on Tuesday they had arrested three individuals planning an attack on a foreign embassy in the capital Baku at the instructions of Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), the Afghan offshoot of Islamic State.
Background on ISIS-K
In a statement, the State Security Service said the three men, whom it named, had conspired with members of ISIS-K, obtained weapons and planned to attack a foreign embassy before they were apprehended by security forces.
Azerbaijan's Security Measures
The statement did not name the foreign embassy. One of the men was born in 2000, and the two others in 2005.
Recent Terrorism Cases in Azerbaijan
Islamic State-Khorasan, or ISIS-K, claimed responsibility for the 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow which left at least 145 people dead.
There have been a number of Islamic State-linked plots foiled in the majority-Muslim regions of Russia, where the group is listed as a banned terrorist organisation, and in Central Asia.
Azerbaijan, a South Caucasus country of some 10 million people bordering Russia and Iran, is a secular country with a predominantly Muslim population, the majority of whom are Shiites.
In its statement, Azerbaijani authorities said the suspects had been arrested on charges of "preparation for terrorism" on the basis of religious hostility. They said the investigation was ongoing.
In a separate case, an Azerbaijani court sentenced a man affiliated with ISIS-K to 13 years in prison on terrorism charges last October after finding him guilty of plotting an attack on a synagogue in Baku with a Molotov cocktail in December 2024.
(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova; Writing by Lucy PapachristouEditing by Andrew Osborn)
Key Takeaways
- •Azerbaijan arrested three men planning an embassy attack.
- •The plot was directed by ISIS-K, an Islamic State offshoot.
- •Suspects were charged with preparation for terrorism.
- •Azerbaijan has a predominantly Muslim, secular population.
- •Security measures in Azerbaijan successfully foiled the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions about Azerbaijan arrests three men for planning embassy attack at behest of Islamic State offshoot
1What is terrorism financing?
Terrorism financing refers to the act of providing financial support to individuals or groups that engage in terrorist activities. This can include funding for operations, recruitment, and other activities that promote violence and terrorism.
2What is Islamic finance?
Islamic finance is a financial system that operates in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia). It prohibits interest (riba) and promotes risk-sharing, ethical investments, and social justice.
3What is financial crime?
Financial crime encompasses a range of illegal activities that involve deception or fraud for financial gain. This includes money laundering, fraud, and financing terrorism.
4What is compliance in finance?
Compliance in finance refers to the process of adhering to laws, regulations, and guidelines set by governing bodies. It ensures that financial institutions operate within legal frameworks to prevent fraud and financial crime.
5What is security in banking?
Security in banking refers to measures taken to protect financial assets, sensitive information, and transactions from unauthorized access, fraud, and cyber threats.
