Russia: Suicide bombing reported in Grozny November 17

Event

At approximately 16:00 (local time) on Saturday, November 17, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest near a police station in Grozny (Chechnya). According to security officials, the blast did not cause any casualties. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Saturday. A heightened security presence is anticipated in the area in the coming days.

Context

Chechnya is located within Russia's North Caucasus region, which also includes the restive Muslim-majority regions of Ingushetia, Dagestan, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Islamist militants and criminal groups in the region have been known to target Russian military personnel, local officials, and moderate Muslims. Chechnya, in particular, has been the site of a decades-long conflict between Moscow and separatist and religious radical groups; a large number of people from Chechnya have reportedly joined Islamic State (IS).

Advice

Individuals in Grozny are advised to remain vigilant, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. As a reminder, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to parts of the North Caucasus region.