2018 FIFA World Cup: Suspected terrorists arrested at St Petersburg

Suspected terrorists have been arrested by Russian secret services in St Petersburg where Super Eagles are expected to play its 2018 World Cup last Group D game against Argentina on June 26.

In St Petersburg, a police video shows a dramatic raid on seven suspects accused of being in touch with a terrorist recruiter, according to Dailymail.

Some suspects were wearing just underwear when they were held by a team including a rapid reaction Interior Ministry force and FSB security service agents.

In the city of Rostov-on-Don, three men were detained and one killed as intelligence services stormed another suspected terror cell.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) has identified terrorism as
the main threat to the World Cup.

Two 21-year-old men from central Asia were charged with preparations for participation in a terrorist organisation’s activity in St Petersburg, said law enforcement sources.

The group is accused of communicating with a terrorist recruiter using the Telegram messenger app which Russia is in the process of blocking.

They were expected to be sent for training for terrorist attacks, said officials.

“The cell’s leader detonated an explosive device and died while being detained, but three other perpetrators were apprehended,” said an FSB statement.