India, Jan. 2 -- The FBI on Friday said it had foiled a potential ISIS-inspired attack planned for New Year's Eve in North Carolina and arrested an 18-year-old suspect in connection with the plot.

In a statement on social media, the FBI said the suspect was "directly inspired to act by ISIS" and credited coordination with law enforcement partners for preventing the attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation had "undoubtedly" saved lives.

Authorities alleged that he intended to carry out a knife and hammer attack targeting civilians. "He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die," Ferguson said.

Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.

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