4 arrested for planning attacks in Moscow

Russian security forces have arrested four people suspected of planning attacks at crowded sites in Moscow, the Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Monday.

A statement published on the FSB's website said the suspects, with alleged links to the Islamic State terror organisation, intended to carry out a series of terrorist attacks on Moscow's public transport and shopping malls, Efe news reported.

The FSB -- formerly called the KGB -- added that among those arrested in the special operation were an IS "emissary", a bombmaker and two potential suicide bombers.

According to the statement, a secret laboratory for the production of explosives and improvised explosive devices was found in the Moscow suburbs and rendered harmless.

"The terrorist group consisted of a citizen of the Russian Federation and three citizens of the states of the Central Asian region," the statement said.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the planned attacks were being organised by IS leaders based in Syria, added the FSB.

--IANS

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