(NewsSpace.com) – When Russia invaded Ukraine, the State Department warned Americans planning to visit the country or those living there to exercise caution. In February 2023, it ordered all US citizens to leave the nation “due to the risk of wrongful detentions.” Now, the US Embassy in Moscow is issuing another warning.
On Thursday, March 7, the US Embassy issued a warning to American citizens in Russia, cautioning them to avoid large gatherings in Moscow because of the possibility of extremist attacks. The State Department noted that it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings,” so it was best to avoid them, including concerts. In addition to avoiding crowds, Americans were advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to stay tuned to the media for continuing updates.
The warning came on the heels of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reportedly thwarting an attack by an Islamic State arm on a synagogue in the capital city. According to Axios, the FSB claimed the terrorist cell was planning to attack “the congregants … using firearms.” Authorities reportedly neutralized the terrorists and seized firearms, the makings for explosives, and ammunition. This group, ISIS-Khorasan, is known to have surfaced 10 years ago in Afghanistan and is feared for its extreme brutality.
Other nations also warned their citizens not to congregate and to avoid travel to Russia, including the UK, Canada, Latvia, and South Korea. The US, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, South Sudan, and Yemen all have a level 4 warning, which means “do not travel” to the country.
In addition to being alert to possible extremist attacks, US citizens also have to worry about the possibility of detention. Many fear that Russia will take the Americans into custody and try to use them as bargaining chips in negotiations. Diplomatic relations with Russia are considered by the West to be the most difficult to maintain.
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