Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested a total of 18 people believed to be members of an ISIS sleeper cell operating in the country. The terrorist sleeper cell was exposed in Tatarstan, a republic in the east-central part of European Russia.
The cell, which had links with Daesh, was recruiting radically-oriented young people to implement its terrorist plans. It was also looking to hold a series of high-impact activities in Russia and then join militants in Syria.
According to a statement released by the FSB, Firearms, ammunition, extremist literature and IS paraphernalia were seized during searched at 18 locations. Intelligence reports indicated that the cell was plotting terror attacks in Moscow using firearms and improvised explosive devices.
The FSB has foiled almost 30 terrorism-related activities, including 15 terrorist attacks, over the first nine months of this year. It is a clear indication that ISIS in Syria has been feeling the pressure of Russian intervention against the terrorist group in the country.
