The U.S. Embassy in Russia issued a warning of a possible imminent attack in Moscow by “extremists,” coming hours after Russian security services reported thwarting a planned attack on a synagogue in the city by a group linked to the Islamic State’s Afghan branch.
The embassy, which has consistently advised U.S. citizens to depart Russia promptly, did not provide specific details about the threat. However, it recommended that individuals avoid concerts and crowded places and remain vigilant about their surroundings.
“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists are planning imminent attacks targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts. U.S. citizens should avoid large gatherings for the next 48 hours,” stated the embassy on its website.
The alert followed announcements by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the primary agency succeeding the Soviet-era KGB, of intercepting a plot by the militant Sunni Muslim group Islamic State to attack a Moscow synagogue.
The connection between the embassy’s warning and the FSB’s report was not immediately clear.
In response to the U.S. alert, allies such as Britain, Canada, South Korea, and Latvia echoed the caution and advised their citizens against traveling to Russia.
