North Ossetia Enforces Public Gathering Ban Amid Alleged Ukrainian Threats to Security

Authorities in North Ossetia-Alania, a republic within Russia, announced on Tuesday a ban on all public gatherings, citing potential threats from Ukrainian intelligence aimed at Russian military personnel and their families.

The regional operational headquarters, responsible for overseeing security measures related to the conflict in Ukraine, declared that “all major public events” are suspended until further notice.

Officials asserted that these threats were linked to a planned “unauthorized” demonstration in the regional capital, Vladikavkaz, though specific details regarding the event’s nature and objectives were not provided.

The announcement also included a prohibition on capturing images or footage of military sites, essential infrastructure, or locations where drones have crashed, emphasizing that such activities are “strictly forbidden.”

Authorities indicated that security checks for vehicles passing through the region would be increased, and they encouraged residents to steer clear of large gatherings.

This decision came after a warning from North Ossetia’s Interior Ministry on Monday concerning “unauthorized public assemblies” and “provocative actions by participants,” promising to “respond quickly” to ensure public order.

On Friday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported the arrest of two teenagers believed to have been planning a bomb attack against law enforcement in North Ossetia. These individuals were said to have links to a prohibited terrorist organization.

It remains unclear whether these arrests were related to the ban on public gatherings implemented on Monday.

The last major drone incident reported in North Ossetia occurred in April, when regional authorities claimed to have intercepted 15 Ukrainian drones, with no reported injuries or damages at that time.