Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Monday that it has successfully dismantled a terrorist cell operating in southern Russia. The FSB revealed that the cell members were involved in providing weapons and financial support to the perpetrators of the deadly attack on the Moscow concert hall.
According to the FSB, four suspects were apprehended in the Russian province of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. The agency stated that these individuals played a significant role in funding the attackers responsible for the assault on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, which resulted in the tragic loss of 144 lives.
The FSB disclosed that one of the detained suspects confessed to delivering weapons directly to the assailants in Moscow. Additionally, a video released by the agency showed one of the suspects mentioning plans for an attack in the city of Kaspiysk in Dagestan.
While the nationality of the suspects was not specified, the FSB confirmed that they are foreign nationals. Notably, the individuals arrested in connection with the Moscow concert hall attack earlier were identified as citizens of Tajikistan.
The recent arrests in Dagestan come after the apprehension of four suspected gunmen and seven others allegedly linked to the assault. An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, although Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the incident to 'radical Islamists' and made unverified claims implicating Ukraine and Western involvement.
The FSB's successful operation underscores Russia's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain national security. The swift action taken by the security agency highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing future threats to public safety.
