Fourteen Montenegrin citizens have travelled to foreign battlefields since 2022, with recruitment taking place primarily online and transit occurring through third countries
In the context of preventing radicalisation, the importance of strengthening society’s resilience to radicalisation, hate speech and the spread of extremist content, particularly in the digital environment, was highlighted. The importance of education, developing media and digital literacy, fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect, as well as stronger cooperation between institutions, the education system, families and local communities in recognising and preventing these phenomena, was also emphasised - the Ministry of the Interior stated
The departure of 14 Montenegrin citizens for foreign battlefields has been recorded since 2022, the Ministry of Interior announced following a meeting of the National Operational Team for Combating Violent Extremism, Terrorism, Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, held on 2 November.
According to the Ministry, the information gathered so far indicates that recruitment processes are primarily conducted online and through digital communication platforms, involving cross-border contacts and transit through third countries.
- Relevant authorities continuously monitor the departure of Montenegrin citizens to foreign battlefields, their possible returns and related activities, while exchanging information with international partners and taking measures to prevent potential security risks - the statement said.
The Ministry added that, in the context of preventing radicalisation, the importance of strengthening society’s resilience to radicalisation, hate speech and the spread of extremist content, particularly in the digital environment, was highlighted.
- The importance of education, developing media and digital literacy, fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect, as well as stronger cooperation between institutions, the education system, families and local communities in recognising and preventing these phenomena, was emphasised - the Ministry stated.
Low level of immediate terrorist threat
At the meeting, participants reviewed the current security situation in Montenegro, with particular focus on challenges related to terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation, as well as current security developments. They assessed the security situation in Montenegro as stable, with a low level of immediate terrorist threat.
- At the same time, the importance of continuously monitoring contemporary security challenges, ensuring the timely exchange of information and taking preventive action in order to safeguard the security of citizens and society as a whole was highlighted - the statement said.
The Ministry added that the need to further strengthen inter-institutional coordination and international cooperation had also been emphasised, alongside the continuous improvement of preventive mechanisms, including measures to prevent terrorist financing and manage other related security risks.
- Relevant institutions remain committed to preserving a stable and secure social environment, strengthening public trust and promoting the values of tolerance, solidarity and mutual respect as essential foundations for the long-term security and stability of Montenegro - the statement concluded.