(VOVworld) - Russian security agencies have arrested seven people suspected of plotting New Year terror attacks in Moscow on orders from the Islamic State.

Streets in Moscow prior to New Year 2017 (Photo: EPA/ VNA)

Russia's main domestic security and counter-terrorism agency, the FSB, said Thursday that its agents arrested the suspects in the North Caucasus province of Dagestan. The FSB said the suspects were preparing attacks in crowded places, using automatic weapons and explosives. Islamist insurgents in Dagestan have mounted frequent attacks on police and officials, and some are known to have sworn allegiance to the Islamic State.