Indonesia's National Police have reported the arrest of seven people suspected of plotting an attack on Pope Francis during his visit to Jakarta as part of his Asia-Pacific tour. According to law enforcement, the conspirators were linked to the terrorist organization ISIS (Islamic State, banned in Russia - editor's note).

The arrests came after the suspects began actively discussing their plans online, which attracted the attention of security forces. As a result of police raids on September 2 and 3, bows, arrows, a drone and leaflets with ISIS symbols were confiscated from the detainees. According to the source, some of the detainees have already pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization.

One of the group's members was previously part of an ISIS-linked cell that staged an attack on Indonesia's top security minister in 2019, raising concerns about their intentions. This time, authorities believe their target is the 87-year-old Pope.