Suicide Bombs Hit Moscow Metro, Leave 38 Dead

At around 7:30 am local time, twin bombs hit Moscow’s metro station, leaving at least 38 people dead and many more injured. The attacks, which occurred during peak traffic time on one of the world’s busiest metro-systems took place first at the Lubyanka station, which stands below the headquarters of Russia’s intelligence agency, the FSB, and an hour later at Park Kultury station. The country is on a high-alert, with airports increasing surveillance and security measures.

While no group has so far indicated responsibility for the attacks, the perpetrators are believed to be from the northern Caucasus region which has in the past been responsible for female suicide bombings. The attacks come as a response to the atrocities committed by Russian soldiers in the region, including rape and leaving many widowed and sonless. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, in a message to the public, has vowed that the terrorists will be “caught and destroyed”. More on the Cechen women and their guerrilla war here.

A complete summary of the day’s events can be found here.