Turkey detained three Russian nationals on Wednesday for suspected links to the Islamic State group that allegedly carried out the deadly suicide bombing in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Ten people, mostly foreign nationals, were killed in the blast at Sultanahmet square, a popular tourist destination. Turkey identified the Isis bomber as Nabil Fadli, a Syrian-origin man from Saudi Arabia.
The Russian citizens were detained during search operations in the Dosemealti district in Antalya, Daily Sabah reported.
The Russian consulate confirmed that three Russians had been detained for links to Isis, Tass news agency reported.
"We confirm the detention of three Russians. The reasons for their detention are being clarified," Russia's Consulate-General in Turkey reportedly said.
Turkish police busted an Isis cell in Ankara on Tuesday, arresting 16 people, mostly Syrians, for plotting a terror attack.
Turkey and Russia have seen a deterioration in their ties following the downing of a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border by Turkish jets in November.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had said last month that he did not see any prospects of repairing ties with Turkey.
Russia has put a ban on travel to Turkey and has also blocked imports from the country.
