Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday it killed Islamic State militants who were planning a "terrorist attack" on a Moscow synagogue, state news agencies reported.
The FSB said the Islamic State cell, based in central Russia's Kaluga region, had been planning to kill Jewish worshippers at a synagogue in the Russian capital.
"During their arrest, the terrorists put up armed resistance against FSB officers, and as a result, they were neutralized by return fire," the TASS news agency quoted the law enforcement body as saying.
"Firearms, ammunition, as well as components for creating improvised explosive devices were found and seized," it added.
Russian media outlets published an FSB video that appeared to show two dead bodies inside a house, alongside guns, ammunition and knives found during a search.
The FSB did not say how many people were killed in the operation, noting only that the fighters were members of the Afghan branch of the Islamic State.
Russian authorities frequently announce the thwarting of planned attacks by suspected Islamist groups.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
