Russia: Bomb wounds at least 12 school students in Sepukhov Dec. 13

Event

A student detonated a homemade bomb in an Orthodox school in Serpukhov, 100 km (60 miles) south of Moscow, Dec. 13; the perpetrator, a former student at the school, was killed and at least 12 other students were reportedly wounded, one seriously. The incident, which occurred at around 08:24 at the Vvedensky Vladychny convent, could have been a suicide attack or the device may have prematurely detonated.

Police have opened a criminal case into the blast. It is likely that it was carried out for personal reasons rather than having a wider ideological or terrorist motivation. Localized disruptions are possible around the blast site in the coming hours as police investigate the incident.

Context

Russia faces a moderate threat from terrorism and such incidents and disruptive security operations are possible at short notice in response to sporadic bomb threats, hoaxes, and suspicious activity.

Advice

Remain alert and report all suspicious objects or activity to the security forces. Anticipate short-notice security-related disruptions and maintain flexible itineraries. Allow additional time for travel in the vicinity of the blast site in the coming hours.