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Explosions heard in St. Pete apartment block cordoned off by Special Forces – reports Special Forces detain suspected North Caucasus militants in St. Pete apartment block (PHOTOS)
(35 minutes later)
At least two explosions have been heard in a residential building in St. Petersburg cordoned off by National Guard and security forces, local media reported. They were followed by plumes of smoke, witnesses added. Russian FSB and National Guard forces have conducted a special operation against suspected North Caucasus militants in a residential building in St. Petersburg. Witnesses said they heard at least two explosions and shooting in the building.
Photos on social media show dozens of police cars and heavily-armed officers around the building.Photos on social media show dozens of police cars and heavily-armed officers around the building.
An official from Federal Security Service told RIA Novosti the agency is conducting an operation to detain suspected North Caucasus militants.
The operation is 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,” the local FSB press service said, as cited by TASS.
The officers haven’t evacuated the building, witnesses told Fontanka media outlet, adding that officers aren’t letting anyone into the building either.The officers haven’t evacuated the building, witnesses told Fontanka media outlet, adding that officers aren’t letting anyone into the building either.
“Small groups of Special Forces are emerging from the entrance, while others go inside,” a witness told Fontanka.“Small groups of Special Forces are emerging from the entrance, while others go inside,” a witness told Fontanka.
An official from Federal Security Service told RIA Novosti the agency is conducting an operation to detain suspected North Caucasus militants.
The operation is 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,” the local FSB press service said, as cited by TASS.
Photos on local media depict people in chemical protection suits on two balconies.Photos on local media depict people in chemical protection suits on two balconies.
According to Fontanka, a Special Forces officer was carried from the building on a stretcher.According to Fontanka, a Special Forces officer was carried from the building on a stretcher.
People claiming to be witnesses have reported on social media of shooting which took place in the building.People claiming to be witnesses have reported on social media of shooting which took place in the building.
At least three alleged fighters have been detained during the operation, RIA Novosti cited law enforcement sources.At least three alleged fighters have been detained during the operation, RIA Novosti cited law enforcement sources.