MOSCOW - The National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) of Russia on Saturday initiated a counterterrorism operation (CTO) regime across the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions in response to recent security threats.

The committee said that this measure was enacted on Saturday to protect citizens and prevent potential terrorist acts following an unprecedented attempt by Ukraine to destabilize several regions in Russia.

The move comes after a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region, which has resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.

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The NAC emphasized that the CTO's legal framework includes the implementation of necessary measures and temporary restrictions under Article 11 of the Federal Law "On Combating Terrorism". These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of the population, maintaining public order, and enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, Russia notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday that suspected fragments of downed missiles were discovered near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (Kursk NPP) following a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region.

"On August 8, fragments and debris, presumed to be parts of downed missiles, were found at the site, including in the vicinity of the radioactive waste processing facility. Although there have been no confirmed reports of direct shelling on the city of Kurchatov, the nuclear power plant, or related energy infrastructure, the situation remains tense," Russia's permanent mission to international organizations in Vienna was quoted by TASS News Agency as saying on its official Telegram channel.

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The Kursk NPP is located in the city of Kurchatov, Kursk region, 40 km west of the city of Kursk on the banks of the Seim River.

The mission said, "Ukraine's reckless actions not only threaten Russia's nuclear facility but also put the entire global nuclear industry at risk".

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Ukraine launched a massive attack on the defense positions in Russia's Kursk region on Tuesday. On Friday, Russia declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region due to the tense situation there.

Russia's defense ministry said a military operation to defeat the Ukrainian forces in Kursk was underway.