Explosions Within the Moscow Metro System

On March 29, 2010, the U.S. Embassy Moscow released the following Warden Message:

This message regards the Moscow Metro Bombings that took place this morning, March 29, 2010.

The U.S. Embassy asks Americans to exercise caution in light of today’s tragic events within the Moscow Metro system.  While these events do not have an anti–American origin, the perpetrators obviously sought mass-murder, widespread panic and disruption of Moscow city transport. The Embassy has not received information pertaining to any additional threats; the investigation by Russian authorities is ongoing.    

The Embassy understands that Moscow’s Metro system will return to full operations before the end of the day today (Monday), including the Lyubanka and Park Kultury stations.  Americans are advised to pay careful attention to the announcements of Russian authorities; continuing difficulties in movement, either by Metro or on surface streets, should be expected as the investigation continues. Information on Metro can be found online (www.metro.ru) and traffic information for Moscow (http://maps.yandex.ru/ - Search for Moscow, Russia - Then click on the "??????" (Traffic) button.)

In the past, similar attacks have elicited a very strong reaction from Russian authorities, and may be followed by a marked increase in armed police foot patrols.  The intent of these is to ensure that visibly-higher levels of security have been imposed; these patrols are likely to make routine stops of foreigners and minorities.  All American citizens are strongly encouraged to carry identification with them at all times.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy of the United States in Moscow, Russia, provides a broad range of statutorily-mandated services to American citizens residing in or visiting Russia. These services include routine passport, citizenship, notarial, Federal Benefits, and voting assistance functions.  Appointments are required for all services; you can make an appointment by calling the ACS Unit at 7 (495) 728-5577, or on-line at https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MOS&appcode=1.  We also provide emergency services in the event of death, arrest, destitution, and illness of individual American citizens, and in disaster situations. For more information about these services, please visit our website at http://moscow.usembassy.gov, which has information for Americans living in or visiting Russia under the topic heading “Citizen Services.”

We strongly recommend that Americans who travel to or reside in Russia visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html, to register your contact information on-line with the Embassy.  By doing this, you will receive any emergency information sent by the Embassy.  (Please note that registering with the Embassy does not satisfy the Russian government’s requirement that all visitors register their presence in Russia through their visa sponsors within three business days of arrival.)

Please do not hesitate to contact the American Citizen Services Unit if we can be of further assistance.  You can reach us via telephone 7-495-728-5577, by fax 7-495-728-5084, or by e-mail at moscowwarden@state.gov. 

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This Public Announcement was issued on October 02, 2006 to remind American citizens traveling or living in Russia that there remains a heightened potential for terrorist actions, including attacks against civilians.  This situation is likely to continue for some time.  This supersedes the Public Announcement of April 4, 2006 and expires on March 31, 2007.

Acts of terrorism including bombings and hostage taking have occurred in Russia over the last several years.  Bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation including the subway and scheduled commercial air flights.  Hostage taking incidents have included a raid in 2004 on a school that resulted in horrific losses of life of children, teachers, and parents.  In October 2005, 200-300 gunmen attacked police and military facilities in a city in the North Caucasus region.

For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our Risk Managers today.
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877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

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Presently, there is no specific indication that American institutions or citizens are targets but there is a general risk of American citizens being victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.  American citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices.  Americans are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation.  When traveling, Americans may wish to provide a friend, family member, or co-worker a copy of their itinerary.  Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.  Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.

The North Caucasus region is of special concern.  Due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the Caucasus region, the Department of State already warns U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all areas that border it:  North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya.  U.s. government personnel are generally prohibited from traveling to these areas, and American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively guaranteed. 

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American citizens living in Russia or traveling there for even a few days are strongly urged to register with the embassy or nearest consulate general.  Registration will allow the embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary.  Registration is done on-line and can be done in advance of travel.  Information on registering can be found at the embassy web site, www.usembassy.ru, or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs

As the department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.