The American Embassy in Moscow has issued an alert dated today telling American “tourists and residents” to leave Russia as soon as possible. As Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov immediately responded, the State Department has issued instructions for all Americans to leave Russia several times during the past year. But this alert—which is full of descriptions of actions the Russian government allegedly threatens Americans with, from false arrest to conscription into the armed forces—also contains the following warning of terrorism against Russia:
“Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.” (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/russia-travel-advisory.html )
In another report today, TASS cited Peskov as saying: “Russian President Vladimir Putin’s public schedule will not be revised in the wake of reports the United States is planning to send militants in Russia. The security of the head of state is ensured, Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.” The TASS wire cited an intelligence report from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that “the recruitment was being carried out among the members of groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda (terrorist organizations banned in Russia). In January this year, 60 terrorists with experience of participating in hostilities in the Middle East were reportedly selected.
