07 Mar 2024 | 09:56 PM UTC
Russia: US Embassy advises its citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow through at least March 9 due to possible security threat
US Embassy advises its citizens in Moscow, Russia, to avoid large gatherings through at least March 9 due to possible extremist targeting.
The US Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert on March 7 advising US citizens in the Russian capital to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours. The advisory stated that the embassy was monitoring unspecified reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings, including concerts, in Moscow. Embassy personnel did not point to any specific intelligence as the basis for the alert, nor did they provide any further details concerning possible targets, timing, or types of attack.
Local authorities will probably deploy very tight security near any potential target in Moscow into at least March 9. Localized traffic and business disruptions are likely.
If operating in Moscow, avoid all large gatherings through at least early Dec. 10 out of an abundance of caution. Carry proper travel documents at all times. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel. Remain courteous and cooperative if stopped and questioned by law enforcement officers.
Due to the lack of details released, it is impossible to independently assess the reliability of the reports that US diplomatic personnel are monitoring; it is possible that the embassy issued the security warning out of an abundance of caution. Nevertheless, Russian authorities will certainly take any information about such a threat seriously and respond with appropriate security precautions.
