ISTANBUL

Armenia said on Wednesday that it foiled an alleged coup attempt against the country’s government.

A statement by Armenia’s Investigative Committee said that criminal cases were launched against seven people, who are accused of preparing to take over the country’s government through violence.

According to the statement, two of the suspects formerly resided in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region.

The statement further said that three of the seven individuals have been detained, while the remaining four are still at large.

It went on to claim that the suspects were paid to undergo three months of training in Russia, and were also trying to recruit other people to join.

Some of those recruited refused to participate in the training and returned to Armenia, and the intervention of local law enforcement foiled the plot, the statement said.

“Active measures are being taken to identify other members of the criminal group,” it added.

Russian authorities have not yet commented on Armenia's claims.