Story highlights The Center Against Terrorism and Hybrid Threats starts operations on January 1

Czech intelligence service identified Russian propaganda and disinformation as a threat

(CNN) The Czech Republic is setting up a new counter-terrorism unit aimed at the threat posed by "foreign disinformation campaigns" -- or fake news.

The Center Against Terrorism and Hybrid Threats is due to start operating on Sunday, according to an interior ministry statement

The new center is intended to monitor internal security threats, including attacks on soft targets and extremism, as well as "disinformation campaigns related to internal security."

Its establishment follows the publication in September of a Czech intelligence service report that identified Russian disinformation and cyber-espionage activities as a potential threat to the Czech Republic, European Union and NATO.

Washington accused Russia of interfering with November's US presidential election by hacking into Democratic National Committee emails and leaking details to the public.

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