05 Nov 2017 | 05:56 PM UTC
Russia: Evacuations in Moscow due to bomb threats Nov. 5
Bomb threats have caused evacuations at the Bolshoi Theatre and Metropol Moscow Hotel November 5
Event
A series of anonymous bomb threats triggered evacuations throughout Moscow on Sunday, November 5. According to reports, approximately 5000 people were evacuated from the Bolshoi Theatre, the Metropol Moscow Hotel and the Red Square GUM department store. The credibility of the threats has not been confirmed and the source(s) of the threats are unknown.
Anticipate a heightened security presence, as well as transportation disruptions surrounding the affected areas.
Context
A series of anonymous bomb threats and reports of suspicious objects began in September and triggered evacuations of public buildings, including train stations, airports, schools, universities, shopping centers, and administrative buildings, in cities across the country.
On Friday, October 6, the Russian police received over 100 bomb threats at various locations in Moscow. No explosives were found, but evacuations were reported at the Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and the Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA).
Advice
Individuals in Moscow are advised to remain vigilant, to report any suspicious behavior or objects, and to follow the instructions issued by local authorities.
