They foiled an alleged terrorist plot to blow up a natural gas distribution plant in North Caucasus, Russian police announced on Sunday.

The alleged target was a Gazprom distribution facility in Nalchik, capital of the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, an area that has seen periodic clashes between police and separatists from nearby Chechnya.

Three bombs with a combined power of 11 pounds of TNT were defused at the plant. The devices included nails and screws, apparently intended to increase the casualty count, Police told the RIA Novosti news agency.

The police spokesman said, "According to experts, the planned terrorist attack was to be aimed against civilians."

It was further reported that there was no immediate word on any arrests. (With Inputs from Agencies)