They are all Brazilian citizens and are thought to have been in contact with each other via internet messaging groups. They are thought to have pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State, though the authorities say they did not have direct contact with ISIL.

Brazil’s Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes said the loosely organised group went from making simple comments about the self-styled Islamic State, to actually planning terrorist acts.

He added that it was an amateur disorganised cell, but the authorities decided to intervene when the group began plotting actions.

Group members are said to have visited a site in neighbouring Paraguay that sells weapons, but there’s no evidence they acquired any.

Brazil’s interim president called an emergency cabinet meeting following the arrests, the first under tough new anti-terrorism laws. (Euronews)