One of the suspects detained after planning to explode Russia-Armenia gas pipline. (Photo: Video Screenshot/SSS Georgia)

TBILISI—The State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia on Monday said it has thwarted a planned terrorist act on the Russia-Armenia gas pipeline. Five Georgian citizens were detained after suspected preparation of a terrorist act on the pipeline and illegal purchase and carrying of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

According to the SSS, Georgian officer Levan Mamporia and citizen Irakli B. were arrested for abetting the crime.

Through investigation, the SSS found that the suspects were preparing to explode an open section of the Russia-Armenia pipeline in the village of Saguramo, on the river Aragvi.

On August 20th, the five suspects traveled to the forest along Zhinvali-Shatili highway to gather the explosives from the cache, reported the SSS.

“They collected 4 pieces of 200 gram coils of TNT, two types of fuse, 5 capsule-detonators, 1 so called ‘Uemkaze’ charge, one charge of Russian production. [They] put the explosives in the car, and were detained by the officers of Counterintelligence Department under the State Security Service of Georgia,” read the announcement.

The State Security Service has also seized three automatic weapons with ammunition from the detainees and a map found in a suspect’s apartment marking locations the group was planning to explode.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressing incident’s whereabouts during a press conference. (Photo: Video Screenshot/SSS Georgia)

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked the country’s State Security Service (SSS) for preventing a terror attack in Georgia, which would have potentially instigated a major threat, Agenda.ge reported.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to each person involved in this operation, as a major disaster was averted. Making such timely and effective decisions and actions is of utmost importance,” said the Prime Minister.

He did not make further comments as investigation of the incident is underway.