Belarus Detains 33 Russian Wagner Mercenaries Ahead of Presidential Election - Report
Belarussian law enforcement has detained 33 mercenaries from the private Russian military contractor Wagner Group less than two weeks before the country's presidential election, the Belarus state-run Belta news agency reported Wednesday.
The Wagner Group, a U.S.-sanctioned outfit with links to the Kremlin through catering magnate Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been reported to be fighting in Syria, eastern Ukraine and other conflict-torn countries on behalf of the Russian government.
"Information was received about the arrival of more than 200 militants in Belarussian territory to destabilize the situation during the election campaign," Belta wrote, citing law enforcement agencies
The men's behavior was "uncharacteristic for Russian tourists" and their "uniform military-style clothing" drew attention, the news agency said.
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https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/07/29/belarus-detains-33-wagner-mercenaries-ahead-of-presidential-election-report-a71014