Two Russian citizens suspected of working for the Islamic State were arrested in Istanbul Tuesday night after authorities were tipped off to a possible plot to attack a transgender pride event, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the Turkish Dogan News Agency.
The Russian suspects are natives of the restive southern republic of Dagestan and are currently in Turkish custody awaiting charges, Reuters reported. Turkish officials did not immediately comment on the situation. The men were arrested with a third accomplice, a Turkish citizen.
Their arrest comes after Turkish officials discovered suicide vests in Istanbul suburbs last week. Officers told Reuters they were acting on intelligence reports suggesting the Islamic State was targeting a transgender pride parade originally scheduled for June 19. Authorities cancelled the rally citing safety concerns, but organizers said they intend to march again this weekend.
The Islamic State is a terrorist group banned in Russia.
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