The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has issued an urgent warning to American citizens in the Russian capital, advising them to avoid large gatherings on Friday and Saturday due to heightened fears of an imminent terrorist attack. The embassy's brief online update stated that it was "monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours."
The embassy did not provide specific details about the nature of the threat or the groups involved but urged U.S. citizens to avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates, and remain aware of their surroundings. The warning comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Russia, stemming from the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine and the imprisonment of several Americans in Russian jails.
Hours before the U.S. Embassy's warning, Russia's FSB security service announced that it had thwarted a planned attack by an Afghan offshoot of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group on a synagogue in the Kaluga region, southwest of Moscow. According to a statement provided to the state-run Tass news agency, the FSB stated that it had "put a stop to the activity of Wilayat Khorasan, a cell of the Afghan branch of the international terrorist organization Islamic State, which is banned in Russia, whose members were planning to commit a terrorist act against one of the Jewish religious institutions in Moscow."
The FSB revealed that the ISIS cell was planning to shoot members of the congregation and that its officers engaged in a firefight with the militants before "neutralizing" them. A search of the building used by the group uncovered firearms, ammunition, and materials for making an improvised explosive device. The case is currently being investigated in Russia as a conspiracy to conduct a terrorist attack.
It remains unclear whether the FSB's statement is directly linked to the U.S. Embassy's warning. However, the confluence of these events underscores the heightened security concerns in the Russian capital and the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups.
The U.S. has repeatedly urged its citizens to leave Russia, citing deteriorating relations between the two countries and the risks associated with being in the country during a time of conflict. The embassy's warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by American citizens who remain in Russia.
In a separate development on Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow strongly criticized Russia for designating three American educational and exchange organizations as "undesirable," effectively ending a 70-year tradition of young people traveling between the two countries. The embassy condemned the decision as "a tragic illustration of the Kremlin's desire to isolate its own people, depriving them of the chance to network, expand their horizons, and contribute to building a more prosperous and peaceful world."
Russia, in turn, summoned U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy to inform her that the three nongovernmental organizations would be banned for "implementing anti-Russian programs and projects aimed at recruiting 'agents of influence' under the guise of educational and cultural exchanges."
As tensions continue to simmer between the United States and Russia, the recent developments highlight the precarious situation faced by American citizens in the country. The U.S. Embassy's warning of an imminent terrorist attack, coupled with the FSB's claim of foiling an ISIS plot, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for vigilance and caution among U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Moscow.
As the situation continues to unfold, American citizens in Moscow are advised to heed the embassy's warnings, stay informed through local media, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The U.S. government's efforts to protect its citizens abroad remain a top priority, even as diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to deteriorate.
