By Lalit K JhaWashington, Dec 18 (PTI) Russian President Vladimir Putincalled his US counterpart Donald Trump to thank him for a CIAtip that helped foil a major terror attack in St. Petersburg,the White House said today.
"Based on the information the US provided, Russianauthorities were able to capture the terrorists just prior toan attack that could have killed large numbers of people," theWhite House said in a readout of yesterday's call.
A similar readout by the Kremlin said the informationshared by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) allowedRussia's Federal Security Service (FSB) to detain the suspectsplotting a suicide bombing in the city's crowded areas.
No Russian lives were lost and the terrorist attackerswere caught, the White House said.
"Trump appreciated the call and told Putin that he andthe entire US intelligence community were pleased to havehelped save so many lives," White House Press Secretary SarahSanders said.
Trump stressed the importance of intelligence sharing todefeat terrorists, she said, adding that the two leadersagreed that this serves as an example of the positive thingthat can occur when the countries work together.
Putin also thanked the CIA and its director Mike Pompeo.
"President Trump then called Director Pompeo tocongratulate him, his very talented people, and the entireintelligence community on a job well done!" the White Housesaid. PTI LKJCHT.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.