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Experts warn Russia’s new counter-terrorism super army will become an "extension" of Vladimir Putin , as the elite body was approved in parliament.

The National Guard force has been established as part of the fight against ISIS and in an apparent bid to reduce corruption.

The elite unit's officers will have vast powers, including the authority to shoot into crowds and hold suspects for indefinite interrogation.

They will also be deployed on combat missions abroad, including anti-ISIS operations in the Middle East as well as peacekeeping missions.

But experts claimed the body could become an "extension" of Vladamir Putin after it emerged it will be headed by the president's former bodyguard Viktor Zolotov.

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Mr Zolotov will report directly to Putin, giving him an iron grip over the country's counter terrorism effort and increasing the chances of a tough crackdown on home-grown jihadi extremists.

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People have also shared concerns about guards being able to hold suspects indefinitely - believing this could be used against the country's own citizens.

(Image: Getty)

The authorisation of guards being able to shoot into crowds of people during terrorist attacks is also a worry for many, as the practice was previously banned over fears bystanders could be injured or killed.

Russian sociologist Ella Paneyak, said: "The National Guard is not just another law enforcement agency.

(Image: Reuters)

"This is another army, with the right to conduct military operations on the territory of the country and against the country's citizens.

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"It looks like they can seize anyone and keep them as long as they want, wherever they want, until they are handed over to the police or a court."

(Image: Getty)

The move has come after Putin called for changes to the country's current internal ministry - Ministerstvo Vnutrennikh Del - in April in a bid to battle ISIS.

The first reading was passed by Russia's State Duma with 345 parliamentarians approving the motion and just 14 voting against.