A special operation against North Caucasus terrorists has been launched by National Guard and security forces in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
According to local media and social media reports by locals, at least two explosions and a short firefight have been heard in a residential building at the Lenin Prospectus cordoned off by National Guard and security forces. However, the building has not been evacuated, Fontanka media outlet reported.
People in chemical protection suits on two balconies.
An official from Federal Security Service coonfirmed that operation is aimed to detain suspected North Caucasus terrorists, the Russian state-run news agency “RIA” reported.
The local FSB press service reported that the operation was underway in an apartment block “to detain individuals who are on a federal wanted list and are accused of taking part in illegal armed gangs in the North Caucasus region.”
Reports said that at least three terrorists have been detained and one killed during the operation.
A Special Forces servicemember was carried from the building on a stretcher:
More photos from the scene:
