US embassy in Moscow warns of 'imminent extremist attacks'

The US embassy said extremists planned an “imminent” terrorist attack in Moscow within the next 48 hours and warned Americans in the Russian capital to avoid large gatherings.

The warning came just hours after Russian security services said they foiled a planned shooting at a synagogue by the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State, although it was unclear whether the two statements were related.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the U.S. Embassy has repeatedly urged all U.S. citizens to leave Russia but has given no further details on the nature of the threat.

However, it said people should avoid concerts and crowds and be aware of their surroundings.

“The embassy is monitoring reports of imminent plans by extremists to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the embassy said on its website.

Britain echoed US warnings about an “imminent” extremist threat from Moscow, adding: “We advise British nationals not to travel to Russia.”

Britain has warned against traveling to Russia.

The United States said it was “monitoring reports that extremists are about to plan to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings for the next 48 hours.”

We advise British nationals not to travel to Russia. pic.twitter.com/dsM1RYODnk

— UKinRussia🇬🇧🇷🇺 (@ukin Russia) March 7, 2024

The warning came just hours after Russia’s FSB, the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, said it foiled an attack on a Moscow synagogue by a branch of the radical Sunni Muslim group Islamic State.

Russia’s Federal Security Service said that a branch of the “Islamic State” organization is operating in Russia’s Kaluga region. The organization is part of the organization’s Afghan branch, which is called “Islamic State-Korasan” and seeks to establish operations in Afghanistan. , Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran established caliphates.

The group first emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014 and has a reputation for extreme brutality.

The FSB said the gang was “preparing to use firearms to attack synagogue congregants”.

When captured, the militants were resisted by Russian special forces and “pinned down” by return fire, the report said.

“Firearms, ammunition and components for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices were discovered and seized,” the Federal Security Service said.

Agency’s Supplementary Report