Kadyrov: Islamic State has no chances in Chechnya

The head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, is convinced that radicals from Islamic State will not receive any support in Chechnya, because the republic's people want to live peacefully.

According to earlier news reports, the members of the Caucasus Emirate organization, which has been branded as terrorist in Russia, have pledged allegiance to the IS leaders, while the IS leaders announced the creation of the North Caucasus Vilayet.

"The statement made on behalf of North Caucasus militants that they pledge allegiance to Islamic State is no more than a bluff. I do not think that individual militants, who are still alive and hiding in the forests, will be able to extend any serious assistance to the radicals from the so-called Iblis State," Interfax cited Kadyrov as saying.

According to him, "these 'thugs' simply have no chances in the Chechen Republic: security services are totally controlling the situation there, and 99.9% of our population want to live peacefully."

"Nevertheless, we will not disregard this threat which may come from IS. That is why we will work in order to prevent the spread of this evil in Chechnya. And we will ruthlessly eliminate all 'shaitans' and militants," the Chechen leader said.