Russian police patrolling in Moscow (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The intelligence service reported that those detained had plotted terrorist attacks on Moscow’s places of mass gathering, including major shopping venues, following the command of IS leaders in Syria. The suspects arrested were not identified, but the FSB said one of them is a Russian national and 3 others are from Central Asia. FSB officers raided a bomb-making laboratory.

Last Tuesday, Head of the Russian National Antiterrorist Committee Alexander Bortnikov warned of a continuing terrorist threat from IS despite Russia’s efforts to protect its people and infrastructure. He said the threat comes from international terrorist organizations, including IS and armed groups operating in the North Caucasus.