The Canadian government is repeating a warning from the U.S. embassy in Russia about a 'very high risk of terrorism' in Moscow.
The U.S. embassy reported on Thursday that it is keeping an eye on reports that extremists have immediate plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, like concerts, and that American citizens should steer clear of such events in the next 48 hours.
Global Affairs Canada updated its Russia travel advisory page to rephrase the statement, and is advising Canadians in Moscow also to avoid large gatherings, to be aware of their surroundings when in public places, and to watch local media for the latest news. The United Kingdom is also advising on its website about the warning.
Canadians have already been advised to stay away from traveling to Russia due to its ongoing full-scale conflict with Ukraine, which may lead to partial military mobilization, restrictions on financial transactions, and increasingly limited flight options, according to GAC.
“If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available,” it said.
“If you remain in Russia, maintain a low profile. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to call-up for mandatory military service.”
The U.S. embassy’s warning came hours after Russian security services said it foiled a planned shooting at a synagogue by a cell from the Afghan arm of Islamic State.
It’s unclear if the two statements are linked.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said an Islamic State cell was operating in Russia’s Kaluga region as part of the Afghan arm of the group, which is known as ISIS-Khorasan, and seeks a caliphate across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.
The group first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014, and established a reputation for extreme brutality.
The cell “was preparing to attack the congregants of a synagogue using firearms,” the FSB said.
It added Russian special forces “neutralized” the suspects in an exchange of gunfire.
“Firearms, ammunition, as well as components for the manufacture of an improvised explosive device were found and seized,” the FSB said.
— with files from Reuters
