US Embassy In Russia Issues Curiously Timed Alert Over 'Extremist Attacks'

The US embassy in Russia has issued an unusual and somewhat mysterious warning over violent plots by 'extremists' that will potentially target gatherings of people in Moscow.

"The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours," the U.S. embassy said in a Thursday alert. 

The alert offered no further details or speculation as to the expected nature of the attack or who could be behind such plotting. The embassy further advised Americans to "be aware of your surroundings" and monitor local media.

Very soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, the State Department warned all Americans to exit Russia, given they could face arrest or unlawful detention. However, clearly some remain, likely including journalists as well as diplomatic personnel.

As for what the US embassy could be responding to, Forbes notes the timing of the alert:

The U.S. alert comes just hours after Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had thwarted a planned terrorist attack on a Moscow synagogue. The agency, a successor to the Soviet-era KGB, said the shooting had been planned by a cell from the Afghan arm of the militant Islamic State group. The FSB said the terrorists were killed when resisting arrest, adding that firearms, ammunition and components for an improvised explosive device were found and seized from the area.

And Reuters reported that the ISIS cell in question has been operating in Russia’s Kaluga region and that the thwarted plot was to include "firearms" and "improvised explosive devises".

Russia is holding presidential elections next week, scheduled for March 15-17, in which President Putin is expected to achieve easy victory. But Moscow has issued a strong warning to Washington against 'interference'.

International reports suggest the US Embassy is responding to the shootout between Russian security services and an ISIS cell...

The Russian foreign ministry announced Thursday that it summoned US Ambassador Lynne Tracy to warn that if Washington interferes in Russia's internal affairs it would move to expel US diplomats in the country.

The foreign ministry in particular warned over "subversive actions and the spread of information" related to the election as well as Moscow's military operations in Ukraine.