06 Feb 2019 | 06:44 PM UTC
Russia: Bomb threats reported in Moscow February 6 /update 2
Authorities evacuate shopping center, Embassy of Afghanistan in Moscow February 6; heightened security presence to be expected in major cities
Event
Security forces evacuated the Evropeisky shopping center, Kievsky rail station, and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Moscow on Wednesday, February 6, following a series of anonymous bomb threats. A heightened security presence as well as residual traffic and business disruptions are possible in Moscow and other cities in the coming hours and days.
Context
Police evacuated more than 40,000 people nationwide from shopping centers, residences, and office buildings following a wave of anonymous bomb threats on February 5. Officials have not identified the source of the threats.
Russia has faced waves of hoax bomb threats in recent months, including several targeting popular gathering points, government buildings, and offices in August 2018 when some 2 million people were evacuated nationwide; officials attribute the threats to Islamic State. Police also arrested a Russia national in January 2019 who called in a series of bomb threats at airports and government buildings in Moscow.
Advice
Individuals in Russia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for lingering disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
