- The US Embassy cites reports that extremists are planning to target rallies
Highly unusual warnings from the US and British embassies in Russia say ‘extremists’ are planning to attack ‘large gatherings’ in Moscow.
The warnings cover a 48-hour period, including festivities associated with International Women’s Day, a major holiday in Russia.
There had been no similar warnings from Russian government authorities.
The first warning to American citizens came from the American embassy, and the British embassy subsequently posted the same warning.
The US said: ‘The embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to attack large gatherings in Moscow including concerts, and US citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings for the next 48 hours.’
People were told to avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates and be aware of their surroundings.
It was not clear which ‘extremists’ were planning an attack.
Today several concerts are planned in Moscow in connection with International Women’s Day.
Law enforcement officers stand guard as people walk to Red Square to attend events marking the annexation of Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine, September 30, 2022
A large crowd of people gathers on Red Square in Moscow on September 30, 2022
The US and British embassies in Moscow have warned that extremists plan to attack large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, in the near future.
The Russian independent medium Important Stories reported: ‘Diplomats assess the likelihood of terrorist attacks as imminent, that is, they have confidence in the reliability of this information.
‘By comparison, in mid-February 2022, the US embassy assessed the Russian invasion of Ukraine as ‘imminent’.
US intelligence accurately predicted the start of the war two years ago, even though the Russians and many experts denied it.
US Ambassador Lynne M. Tracy’s warning, echoed by British envoy Nigel Casey, was interpreted by leading Putin propagandist Margarita Simonyan – head of the RT media empire – as a warning of “terrorist attacks.”
“The US and British embassies warned of the threat of terrorist attacks in Moscow on March 8,” she said.
The anti-Western Simonyan urged the embassies: “If you have specific information, it should be passed through the intelligence services.
‘I hope you did.
‘And if not, then there is complicity.’
Pro-Putin Telegram channel Zhukov Z said: “This all sounds like a threat, because all terrorist attacks in Russia are directly or indirectly related to the activities of the CIA and their accomplices.”
Cars drive past the US Embassy building in Moscow on March 7, 2024
Another pro-war broadcaster Wargonzo said: ‘The message was only posted on the English version of the (American) site the day before.
‘It was ambiguous and many media interpreted it as a warning about the threat of terrorist attacks.
“It is really unclear who the American embassy is warning about, patriotic Russians or their accusations: Ukrainian saboteurs.”
Independent outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe said: ‘Events dedicated to International Women’s Day will take place today in Moscow.
“Singer SHAMAN will perform at Crocus City Hall, and there will also be a major concert at the Russia Exhibition in VDNKh.”