CTO regime lifted in Elbrus and Baksan Districts of Kabardino-Balkaria

Today, as reported by the operational headquarters of the region, the counterterrorist operation (CTO) regime, which lasted more than eight months, was cancelled in the Elbrus and part the Baksan Districts of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The CTO regime was introduced on February 20, 2011, after on February 18 unidentified persons attacked tourists from Moscow on the highway – three persons were shot dead and two more wounded.

"By the order of Major-General Sergey Kmenny, the commander of the operational headquarters and the head of the local FSB department, the CTO regime was lifted from 9:00 p.m. Moscow time on November 5 in the Elbrus District and a part of the Baksan District," the "Interfax" quotes a source from the headquarters.

Starting today's evening, together with the CTO regime, also "the temporary restrictions have been lifted in the territory of the Elbrus District, including the towns and settlements of Tyrnyauz, Kendelen, Bedyk, Bedym, Tegenekli, Terskol, Elbrus, Neitrino, Verkhni Baksan and Lashkuta, as well as in the part of the Baksan District, including the villages of Zhankhoteko, Zayukovo, Atazhukino and Islamei," the RIA "Novosti" reports.