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Azerbaijan Detains 26 Alleged Militants


Authorities in Azerbaijan say they have arrested 26 citizens of the Caucasus country suspected of joining militants in Syria and Pakistan.

Azerbaijan announced the arrests on September 23, hours after the United States and its Arab allies launched a series of air strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria.

Azerbaijan's National Security Ministry said those arrested are accused of involvement in illegally armed groups, trafficking of weapons and explosives, and other charges.

The suspects have been taken into custody after returning to Azerbaijan.

Under Azerbaijani law, those detained face sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment if found guilty.

More than 100 Azerbaijani citizens have reportedly been killed while fighting alongside militants in Syria.

Based on reporting by AP and Interfax

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