A group of militant Islamists planned to attack the American Embassy and other government buildings in Baku, the capital, using stolen military grenades and assault rifles, but were thwarted by security forces, officials said. The Security Ministry said the group had planned a “large-scale, horrifying terror attack” but did not provide details or say if any other weapons were involved. The State Department said it closed the embassy but would probably reopen it after tightening security. Britain’s embassy also suspended services.

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