Russia's counter-terrorism agency says it has raided a Moscow apartment and arrested a group of people who were preparing to carry out an attack in the capital.

The statement from the National Anti-Terrorism Committee said home made explosives were found in the apartment. No details were given about the number or identify of the suspects.

Russian news agencies, citing law enforcement sources, said more than 100 residents of the apartment building were evacuated during Sunday's raid and supplies of natural gas were cut off for the duration.

Russia's airstrikes in Syria have been met by warnings that they encourage Islamic extremists to turn their sights on Russia and make it easier for them to recruit Russian Muslims.

Russia says 2,400 of its citizens have joined the Islamic State group.