Belarus suspects Russian mercenaries of 'terrorism'

Belarus suspects Russian mercenaries of 'terrorism'

Russia demanded an explanation from Belarus on Thursday over what it said was Minsk's wrongful arrest of a group of alleged Russian mercenaries accused of plotting acts of terrorism.

Soraya Ali reports.

Russia is demanding an explanation for what may be the arrest of over 30 alleged Russian mercenaries in Belarus, accused of plotting, quote, "acts of terrorism" ahead of the Belarus presidential election.

Adding to the alarm: Belarus is a traditional ally of Russia.

The arrests are said to have occurred on Wednesday.

Russia's ambassador has also been summoned to the Belarusian capital Minsk.

State TV broadcast footage of the suspects being detained near the city.

But authorities say they have information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destabilize it ahead of the Aug.

9 election.

Belarus also says some of the people detained confessed to attempting to orchestrate a revolution.

Moscow has long denied reports that it uses mercenaries in foreign affairs, and footage of the arrest shows some of the suspects with Sudanese currency and a phone card.

It's led to speculation in Belarus that they may have actually been in transit to Africa.

Even though the two countries are traditionally allies, their relationship has been recently strained.

It's also the biggest challenge in years for the re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko who has ruled for over a quarter of a century.

65-year-old Lukashenko has accused opponents of being in cahoots with foreign backers to overthrow him and has jailed two of his main election rivals ahead of the vote.

Now Belarusian authorities have turned to the leading opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya - saying her husband may have ties to the Russian group.

Tikhanouskaya denies either of their involvement.

He was arrested in May and authorities have launched a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots, according to the Belta news agency.

Back to Lukashenko and he is expected to win the election despite growing opposition and protests.