BISHKEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security destroyed a "sleeping" cell of an international terrorist organization in Kyrgyzstan's northern Chui Oblast, the committee's press service said Friday.
Five foreign citizens and four Kyrgyz citizens were detained on suspicion of being members of an international terrorist organization, it added.
Since 2017, the detainees were actively involved in recruiting citizens of the republic to join the ranks of terrorists in Syria and Afghanistan, with intentions to organize terrorist attacks in Kyrgyzstan using firearms and improvised explosive devices, the report said.
The detained foreign citizens, who have been sent to Kyrgyzstan on the instructions of the emissaries of international terrorist organizations, were tasked to recruit the most experienced militants.
The individuals were also wanted in their home countries for alleged involvement in terrorist activities.
A criminal case has been initiated by Kyrgyzstan.
According to data released from intelligence agencies, 850 Kyrgyz citizens have left for the war in Syria, 150 of whom were killed.
