The United States Embassy in Moscow issued an urgent alert on Saturday, October 31, regarding the possibility of a terrorist attack with numerous casualties at the Tsaritsyno museum-reserve, one of the main historical complexes and public parks in the Russian capital.
The notice, published on the official page of the diplomatic mission, specifically identifies the facility located at number 1 Dolskaya Street and warns of a “credible threat of an incident that could result in numerous casualties” during the day on Saturday.
"The United States government is coordinating a response with the relevant Russian authorities," the statement notes, recommending avoiding the area, staying away from crowds, remaining vigilant, and following information from local media.
Shortly thereafter, the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) confirmed that it had received U.S. information regarding a planned attack in Moscow.
"We have received, through cooperation channels, information from the American side regarding the preparation of a terrorist attack in Moscow. The appropriate actions are being taken," the agency stated to the state news agency TASS, as reported by Reuters.
The warning prompted movements from security forces in the vicinity of Tsarítsino. According to the Russian newspaper Fontanka, citing local media, the museum-reserve was closed for alleged "technical reasons," while police officers restricted access and traffic on several nearby streets.
Among the affected roads are Kaspiyskaya and Lipetskaya. Initial reports described a calm situation at the scene, with no violent incidents.
Initially, representatives of the museum had assured Russian media that they were unaware of any threat and that their facilities continued to operate normally.
The complex, which includes a historic palace, cultural spaces, and extensive landscaped areas, had several events scheduled for the day, including two concerts at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM local time.
So far, there have been no reports of arrests related to the threat, nor has an attack been confirmed. The possible perpetrators have also not been publicly identified.
The precedent of the Crocus City Hall attack
The U.S. warning recalls an incident that took place in March 2024, when Washington alerted about the possibility of extremist attacks against large gatherings in Moscow.
On March 7 of that year, the United States Embassy advised against attending large gatherings, particularly concerts, due to intelligence reports of potential attacks.
Fifteen days later, on March 22, several armed men attacked the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, on the outskirts of Moscow, resulting in 145 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The attack, claimed by the Islamic State, was extensively covered by CiberCuba, which also reported at the time on the prior warning from the U.S. Embassy.
It was later revealed that U.S. intelligence services had provided Russia with more specific information about the threat, although the Russian authorities failed to prevent the massacre.
In this Saturday's episode, Washington has pointed to a specific location and date, while Moscow has publicly acknowledged receiving the information and activating security measures. For now, the authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the alleged terrorist plan or the identity of its possible organizers.
Related videos:
Filed under: