Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Namangan Region, 21 individuals were detained by the State Security Service (SSS) in cooperation with law enforcement agencies on suspicion of involvement with the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS), according to the SSS press service.

Investigators reported that the group was led by a resident of the Yangiyabad mahalla in Pap District, who created private channels on social networks to distribute propaganda supporting ISIS ideology.

The investigation revealed that she had met an individual from Fergana Region working seasonally in South Korea. Under his influence, she became involved in terrorist activities. They entered into a religious marriage (nikah) and planned to carry out hijrah — relocating to conflict zones.

Additionally, a distant relative and a neighbor of the group leader were involved. According to investigators, they created private social media channels, recruiting relatives, neighbors, and individuals prone to extremism, showing execution and combat videos, and disseminating calls for violent overthrow of the government.

One of the detained women admitted in her testimony that she had shared violent videos and terrorist manuals via her Telegram account. She expressed intentions to travel to Egypt for religious studies and participation in jihad, but also conveyed remorse and willingness to avoid extremist activity in the future and to use social networks for the benefit of family and society.

The SSS noted that the detainees had been repeatedly warned about the illegality of their actions but continued their underground activities. During operations, authorities seized religious literature, electronic devices, and other evidence.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against four group leaders under Articles 244−1 (Production, storage, and dissemination of materials threatening public safety) and 244−2 (Creation, leadership, and participation in religious-extremist organizations) of the Criminal Code.

Two of the leaders have been remanded in custody, while the investigation of the remaining 17 suspects continues.