US Embassy Issues Warning of Imminent Extremist Threat in Moscow
The US Embassy in Russia has issued a stark warning of an imminent extremist threat looming over Moscow.
This cautionary alert comes hot on the heels of Russian security services successfully thwarting a planned attack on a synagogue in the capital city, orchestrated by a cell linked to the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group, according to Agerpres.
Urging all American citizens to evacuate Russia immediately, the embassy refrained from divulging specific details regarding the nature of the threat but emphasised the necessity for individuals to steer clear of large gatherings and remain vigilant of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas and during events such as concerts.
Reports indicate that the embassy has been closely monitoring intelligence suggesting that extremists have intentions to target significant assemblies in Moscow, including concerts, within the next 48 hours.
This cautionary alert arrived shortly after the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the Soviet-era KGB, disclosed their successful intervention in thwarting an attack on a synagogue in Moscow orchestrated by a cell associated with the Sunni Islamic State group. While the connection between these two events remains unclear, Reuters notes.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has amplified tensions between Russia and the West to levels unseen since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. The Kremlin has accused the United States of actively opposing Russia by providing support to Ukraine in the form of financial aid, weaponry, and intelligence.
According to the FSB, the Islamic State group's cell was operating within the Russian region of Kaluga, constituting part of the Afghan branch of the organisation, also known as ISIS-Khorasan. Their purported objective was to establish a caliphate spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
This extremist group first emerged in eastern Afghanistan towards the end of 2014, quickly garnering a notorious reputation for its extreme acts of violence and brutality.
The FSB disclosed that the cell was in the advanced stages of preparing an attack on synagogue attendees, armed with firearms. When intercepted, the militants engaged in a confrontation with Russian special forces and were ultimately subdued after coming under fire.
During subsequent investigations, firearms, ammunition, and materials for crafting improvised explosive devices were seized by the authorities, further underscoring the severity of the threat posed by this extremist group.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
