Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) prevented an arson attack on a synagogue in Yaroslavl and arrested a suspected member of an international terrorist organization, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Monday, citing the FSB.
The suspect, a Russian national who was allegedly obeying instructions from a handler in Syria, purchased components and chemicals used to manufacture incendiary devices, according to the FSB.
Incendiary devices and communication devices containing instructions from the handler were discovered in the suspect’s home, TASS cited the FSB as saying.
The suspect intended to use one such device in a synagogue in Yaroslavl, going so far as to conduct reconnaissance of the area and photograph the building, but was identified and arrested, the FSB said.
TASS wrote that the suspect is a supporter of an international terrorist organization and planned to travel to Syria, where he would join them after his arson attack.
A criminal case has been opened to prosecute the suspect for preparing for a terrorist attack and participating in the activities of an organization recognized as a terrorist on the territory of the Russian Federation.
