Russia’s security service prevents synagogue arson attack in Yaroslavl

The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) has foiled a planned arson attack on a synagogue in Yaroslavl, detaining a Russian citizen alleged to be a supporter of an international terrorist organisation (MTO) who also intended to travel to Syria afterwards, TASS reports.

“Federal Security Service has suppressed the preparation of a terrorist act on the territory of the Yaroslavl region by a Russian citizen,” the agency’s Public Relations Centre stated.

According to the FSB, the suspect, acting on instructions from a handler based in Syria and identifying as a supporter of an international terrorist organisation, purchased components and chemical substances for the production of bottles containing an incendiary mixture. He later planned to carry out an attack on a Jewish religious institution located in Yaroslavl using a homemade incendiary device.

“After committing the arson, the suspect planned to travel to Syria and join the ranks of the MTO,” the statement added.

FSB added that the individual conducted reconnaissance of the site and took photographs of the target. Homemade incendiary devices ready for use, along with communication equipment containing instructions from the MTO handler, were discovered at his residence.

By Jeyhun Aghazada