MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. The chairman of Russia’s anti-terrorist committee, director of the Federal Security Service FSB Aleksandr Bortnikov has said a total of 61 terrorist crimes, including 18 terrorist attacks, have been prevented this year.

"The analysis of information gathered by now indicates that the leaders of international terrorist organizations are pushing ahead with attempts to create hotbeds of terrorism in various regions of Russia," Bortnikov said. "A confirmation of this trend is seen in the terrorist attacks committed in St. Petersburg and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District and the prevention of preparations for 61 terrorism-related crimes, including 18 terrorist attacks.

Bortnikov said all attacks were to be staged at crowded sties or at strategic facilities. A total of 56 underground terrorist cells have been quashed this year, he added.

He also said that the situation in Russia’s territory in the sphere of resistance to terrorist manifestations developed complications from time to time.

"Law enforcement agencies fully control the situation. In case of an aggravation they take all necessary measures," Bortnikov said.

Over 1,000 terrorists have been detained and 78 gunmen have been eliminated in Russia this year, according to Bortnikov.

"Throughout 2017, systematic measures have been taken in coordination with the National Anti-Terror Committee and the Federal Operational Headquarters, thanks to which 1,018 terrorists have been detained and 78 gunmen and their accomplices have been neutralized," Bortnikov said at a final session of the National Anti-Terror Committee.

According to the FSB, terrorists are looking for the ways of continuing their activity, including in Russia, after Syria’s territory has been liberated.

"After the government’s territory was liberated by the Syrian army with support of the Russian armed forces from the last strongholds of the Islamic State terrorist organization, its leaders and militants are forced to search for the ways of continuing terrorist activity on the territories of other states, including Russia," Bortnikov said.

The FSB chief stressed that against this backdrop the return to Russia of former participants of armed gangs from the Middle East countries poses a real threat. They may join the gangs and undercover cells and also take part in recruiting new militants, he explained.