4 IS supporters detained in Russia for allegedly plotting attacks

MOSCOW, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia has detained four supporters of the Islamic States (IS) on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks in the country's Republic of Dagestan, the National Anti-terrorism Committee (NAC) said Saturday.

The detained, all natives of Dagestan, were held in Moscow and the republic's capital of Makhachkala on Friday and Saturday, local media reported, citing an NAC statement.

The four suspects confessed that they had contacts with IS emissaries and plotted terrorist attacks with home-made bombs and cold weapons in crowded places, according to the statement.

Dagestan is a hotbed of insurgency in North Caucasus close to the conflict-ridden Middle East. Repeated violent attacks have plagued the region for years.