SECURITY FORCES THWART MOSCOW SUICIDE ATTACKS

Government officials in Russia announced on 13 October 2009 that security forces had thwarted a series of planned suicide attacks against targets in Moscow. Security agents reportedly apprehended five militant fighters in Moscow in September 2009 and prevented them from carrying out suicide attacks during public gatherings in the city, including the 5 September public holiday. Intelligence authorities released few details on the plot, although they did confirm that militants are suspected members of armed rebel groups in the North Caucasus regions of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan.