Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has prevented terrorist attacks in the Ural city of Yekaterinburg in a counter-terrorism operation during which three gunmen were neutralised, the National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) said in a statement on Thursday.
"During the counter-terrorism operation, three gunmen involved in terrorist activities were neutralized... In Yekaterinburg, the FSB prevented the preparation of terrorist attacks", the NAC said.
Improvised explosive devices, weapons, ammunition were discovered at the site of the counter-terrorism operation, it added.
"In accordance with Federal Law No. 35-FZ of 6 March 2006, 'On Counteraction to Terrorism', in order to ensure the safety of Yekaterinburg residents, starting at 10:30 pm local time, 30 April 2020, the legal regime of a counterterrorism operation has been established", the authorities said earlier.
The authorities have not yet provided any details concerning the criminals' identities or as to where exactly the attacks had been plotted.