Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained seven suspected members of the Islamic State group who allegedly planned terrorist attacks in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Urals.

The group, arrested in Yekaterinburg, comprised citizens of Russia and countries of Central Asia and was led by one of its members who had  arrived from Turkey, FSB said in a statement on Monday.

According to FSB, the group planned to carry out terrorist attacks in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sverdlovsk region using home-made bombs. They also planned to leave for Syria after the terrorist attacks to join IS as fighters.

Police had discovered a laboratory for making explosive devices, explosives, firearms, hand grenades and books promoting extremist views during the search operation conducted at the homes of those arrested, FSB said.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee said last month that a faction of the Islamic State group led by Chechen national Akhmed Chatayev was plotting terrorist attacks in Russia and Europe.