The Caucasus Emirate is an Islamist militant organization in the North Caucasus region founded by Doku Umarov in 2007.[1] The aim of the Caucasus Emirate is the creation of an independent Islamic state in the North Caucasus ruled via sharia law.[2] The group draws membership from various provinces located in the North Caucasus, including Chechnya, Ingushetia, Ossetia, Dagestan, the United Provinces of Balkaria, Karachai and Kabardia, Krasondar Krai and Stavropol Krai.[3] With an estimated size of 400 to 1,500 members, the Caucasus Emirate operates in a cell structure with many independent groups across Chechnya and Europe.[4]

Caucasus Emirate associates with several other Islamic organizations, including al-Qa’ida, the Taliban and the Islamic Jihad Group.[5] Caucasus Emirate has been responsible for various suicide bombings against civilian targets in Russia, including an attack at the Domodedovo airport on January 24, 2011.[6] The group launched a series of bombing attacks against civilians in Moscow that killed dozens from 2010 to 2011. In 2013, leader Doku Umarov also called for attacks against the Sochi Olympics.[7] In March 2014, the Caucasus Emirate leader Doku Umarov was announced dead and Ali Abu Mohammad was elected as the new leader of the group.[8] View full narrative