Around 20 followers of Islamic State (IS) group were arrested in Moscow while trying to recruit new fighters, RIA news agency reported Wednesday, citing a security source.

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“During a joint operation of the FSB (Federal Security Service) and the police, around twenty people suspected of connections to ISIS (Islamic State) were arrested,” RIA quoted the source as saying.

“According to preliminary information, they were searching for and recruiting new members in Moscow.”

Reuters reported that the FSB could not immediately be reached for comment, while the police declined to discuss the matter.

"According to preliminary information, they were searching for and recruiting new members in Moscow," RIA said, citing the source.

RIA said the majority of those arrested were citizens of the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. They had fake documents, including false Turkish driving licences, it said.

Russia is helping the Syrian army fight the IS group in Syria providing air support, weapons and advice.

The group, which is outlawed in Russia, has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Russia, mostly in the Caucasus region.

(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)

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