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{{Short description|Islamist terror attacks}}
{{Current event}}{{lead section}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox civilian attack {{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2010 Moscow Metro terrorist bombings | title = 2010 Moscow Metro bombings
| image = Lubyanka 05.jpg | image = Lubyanka metro station 30Mar2010.JPG
| partof = ], ] and ]
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Central hall of the ]
| caption = Central hall of the ]<br />the day after the bombings
| location = Moscow, Russia
| target = ] | location = Moscow, Russia
| target = ]
| coordinates =
| coordinates =
| date = 2010.03.29
| time = 7:56 ] and 8:39 ] | date = March 29, 2010
| time = 7:56/7:57 ] and 8:37/8:39 ]
| timezone = ]+4 | timezone = ]+4
| type = ] | type = ]
| fatalities = Total '''40''':<ref name="casualty"/><br />]:&nbsp;26<br />]:&nbsp;14
| fatalities = ] and also MChS <ref name="lenta_wounded">{{cite web
| injuries = 102 (88 hospitalized)<ref name="casualty" />
|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/29/wounded/
| victim =
|title=Жертвами взрывов в метро стали минимум 37 человек
| perps =
|publisher=Lenta.ru
| perp = ]<ref name="aljazeera2"/>
|language=Russian
| weapons = ] explosives{{Citation needed|date=October 2018}}
|date=2010-03-29
| numparts = 2 women
|accessdate=2010-03-29
| numpart =
}}</ref>: Lubyanka: 23, Park Kultury: 12<br />]: Lubyanka: 22, Park Kultury: 12 <ref name="lenta_more">{{cite web
| dfens =
|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/29/more/
| dfen =
|title=Число жертв взрывов в метро возросло до 35 человек
| Footage =
|publisher=Lenta.ru
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref><br />]: 37<ref name="lenta_wounded"/>
| injuries = ]: Lubyanka: 18, Park Kultury: 15<br />]: Lubyanka: 17, Park Kultury: 20 <ref name="lenta_more"/><br />MChS: Lubyanka: 20, Park Kultury: 20<ref name="lenta_wounded"/>
| victim =
| perps =
| perp =
| susperps = Chechen separatists<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/29/russia.subway.explosion/?hpt=Sbin</ref>
| susperp =
| weapons = ] explosives
| numparts = 2 women
| numpart =
| dfens =
| dfen =
| Footage =
}} }}
{{Campaignbox Russia terrorism}}
The '''2010 Moscow Metro bombings''' were two ]s<ref name="lenta_fsb">{{cite web|
|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/29/fsb/
|title=ФСБ подтвердила информацию о смертницах в московском метро
|publisher=Lenta.ru
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref> initiated by female ]<ref name="ekho">{{cite web
|url=http://echo.msk.ru/news/667546-echo.html
|title= По предварительным данным, взрывы в московском метро на станциях "Лубянка" и "Парк культуры" совершили "шахидки
|publisher=Ekho Moskvy
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref><ref name="bbc">{{cite web
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8592190.stm
|title=Moscow Metro hit by deadly suicide bombings
|publisher=BBC
|language=English
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref> that occurred during the morning of 29 March 2010. The first happened inside the ] station ] and the second 42 minutes later at ].


The '''2010 Moscow Metro bombings''' were ]s carried out by two female Islamic terrorists during the morning ] of March 29, 2010, at two stations of the ] (] and ]), with roughly 40 minutes in between. At least 40 people were killed, and over 100 injured.
== Incident ==
The first explosion occurred at the ] at approximately 7:56AM local time (3:56AM ]), which was then followed by a second explosion at the ] around 8:38AM. A third purportedly failed detonation was announced by ] roughly 40 minutes later, aimed at one of the two ] stations, however, no explosives were found in the presumed plastic bag after it was evacuated from the rail.<ref name="bbc"/> Around 10:04AM local time a call from the public phone announcing another scheduled explosion was made to the ] station staff, with the caller soon revealing it to be a hoax.<ref name="top_rbc_incident">{{cite web
|url=http://top.rbc.ru/incidents/29/03/2010/385817.shtml
|title=ГУВД Москвы опровергло информацию о третьем и четвертом взрывах
|publisher=Top.rbc.ru
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref> Another hoax occurred about an hour after the second explosion at the ] station when dispatched security personnel mistakenly apprehended an innocent Muslim woman.<ref name="ekho">{{cite web
|url=http://echo.msk.ru/news/667546-echo.html
|title= По предварительным данным, взрывы в московском метро на станциях "Лубянка" и "Парк культуры" совершили "шахидки
|publisher=Ekho Moskvy
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref><ref name="RBCdaily">{{cite web
|url=http://www.rbcdaily.ru/2010/03/29/focus/467284
|title=Смертники спустились в метро
|publisher=RBCdaily
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref>


Russian officials called the incident "the deadliest and most sophisticated terrorist attack in the Russian capital in six years",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/29/AR2010032900007_pf.html |title=Washington Post report, March 29, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 29, 2010 |first=Philip P. |last=Pan |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104064258/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/29/AR2010032900007_pf.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a reference to the ] and ] in 2004. At the time of the attacks, an estimated 500,000 people were commuting through Moscow's metro system.<ref name="CNN-30">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/30/russia.subway.explosions/index.html |title=Russian police release subway bomb suspects' photos |date=March 30, 2010|access-date=March 30, 2010 |work=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401045442/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/30/russia.subway.explosions/index.html |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The explosions are thought to be ]s involving self-fabricated ] explosive masses previously thrown under the rails as apparent ] in plastic bags. The explosives were then likely initiated by two terrorist women who, disguised as passengers, have each placed a ] call while standing approximately over the mass inside the train upon its arrival.<ref name="lenta_attack">{{cite web
|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/29/attack/
|title=Теракты в московском метро совершили смертники
|publisher=Lenta.ru
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref> The time of attack was chosen to reflect the maximum passenger capacity of the subway during a ] morning rush.


Initial investigation indicated that the bombings were perpetrated by the militant ]<ref name="Ft.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9198ab3a-3b92-11df-a4c0-00144feabdc0.html |title=/ UK&nbsp;– Authorities blame raids on Islamist terrorists |publisher=Ft.com |access-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/30/AR2010033004018.html |title=Russian grief turns to anger toward leaders |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |first=Philip P. |last=Pan |archive-date=January 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123062831/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/30/AR2010033004018.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ] group.<ref name="washingtonpost1"/><ref name="msnbc 03-29-10" /> On March 31, Caucasus Emirate leader ] claimed responsibility for ordering the attacks in a video released on the internet. He also stated that such attacks in Russia would continue unless Russia grants independence to Muslim states in the ] region.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8597792.stm |access-date=March 31, 2010|work=BBC News |title=Chechen rebel claims Metro blasts |date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402181059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8597792.stm |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The man who brought the suicide bombers to Moscow was arrested in July 2010.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715084744/http://infox.ru/accident/crime/2010/07/12/Zadyerzhanyy_organiz.phtml |date=July 15, 2010 }}. Infox.ru. Retrieved January 27, 2011.</ref> The Anti-Terror Committee of Russia confirmed in August 2010 that ], along with four other militants, was killed in an operation in ]. He is believed to be a militant behind the bombings, a close associate of Doku Umarov and the husband of Mariam Sharipova, one of the two suicide bombers.<ref>. Sify.com (August 21, 2010). Retrieved January 27, 2011.</ref>
== Casualties ==

Early reports from Russian officials say that 36 people were killed, with 24 killed in the Lubyanka explosion alone and 12 in the explosion at Park Kultury.<ref name="rt">{{cite web
== Background ==
|url=http://www.rt.com/Top_News/2010-03-29/moscow-metro-blast-victims.html
The bombings were the latest in a ] since 1994, many attributed to ] militants or to the Caucasus Emirate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/02/06/russia.timeline/index.html |title=Timeline: Terrorism in Russia |date=February 6, 2004 |work=CNN |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404015314/http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/02/06/russia.timeline/index.html |archive-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Since 1999, ] gradually shifted away from a pro-western approach of the ], becoming strongly influenced by ] beliefs which placed them at odds not only with Russia and Pro-Russia Chechen President ], but also with a Dagestani population with strong ] traditions.<ref name="washingtonpost2">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/29/AR2010032900007.html?hpid=moreheadlines |title=Russia braces for terrorism's return as 38 die in subway bombings |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 30, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |first=Philip P. |last=Pan |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133107/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/29/AR2010032900007.html?hpid=moreheadlines |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews&#91;tt_news&#93;=34708&tx_ttnews&#91;backPid&#93;=7&cHash=d6a8434332 |title=Caucasus Emirate: Virtual Myth or Reality? |author=Mikhail Roshchin |date=March 13, 2009 |journal=North Caucasus Analysis |volume=10 |issue=10 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-date=March 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324000624/http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=34708&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=7&cHash=d6a8434332 |url-status=live }}</ref> A ''mujahideen'' group<ref name="Ft.com"/><ref name="washingtonpost1"/><ref name="washingtonpost2"/><ref>{{cite news |author=Guy Faulconbridge&nbsp;– Analysis |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T2EJ20100330 |title=Russia's silent war spills into Moscow |work=Reuters |date=March 26, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403000425/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T2EJ20100330 |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> claim they are fighting a "]",<ref>{{cite news |author=Guy Faulconbridge&nbsp;– Analysis |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T2EJ20100330 |title=Russia's silent war spills into Moscow |work=Reuters |date=February 9, 2009 |access-date=April 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403000425/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T2EJ20100330 |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> and wish to create an "Emirate" in the Caucasus.<ref name="Terrorism in Russia Timeline">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/02/06/russia.timeline/index.html |title=Timeline: Terrorism in Russia |publisher=CNN |date=February 6, 2004 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404015314/http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/02/06/russia.timeline/index.html |archive-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Over 5,000 people have been killed and wounded in the Caucasus since 2002.<ref name="gordon hahn">{{cite web |url=http://www.cdi.org/russia/johnson/2009-159-17.cfm |title=(Un)civil Jihad in the Caucasus Emirate |publisher=Center for Defense Information |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903103243/http://www.cdi.org/russia/johnson/2009-159-17.cfm |archive-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|title=Two blasts in Moscow Metro, dozens killed"

|publisher=RT.com
== Suicide bombings ==
|language=English
]
|date=2010-03-29
The first explosion occurred on the ''Red Arrow&nbsp;– 75 years'' train at the ] at approximately 7:56&nbsp;am local time (03:56&nbsp;]). The train started from ], and stopped at Lubyanka station. Once the train doors opened, explosives worn by a woman standing at the second carriage's second exit detonated. The explosive had a force of up to 1.5&nbsp;kg of ] (TNT).{{cn|date=March 2023}} Fifteen people on board the train, and eleven people on the platform, were killed. One victim from the third carriage died from a head injury caused by an {{convert|8|mm|in|abbr=on}} piece of metal.<ref name="Kommersant1" />
|accessdate=2010-03-29

}}</ref> Over 40 other passengers received serious to mild injuries.<ref name="lenta_attack"/>
A second explosion at the ] followed at approximately 8:38&nbsp;am, caused by another female, who at the time of the first explosion was riding another train from ] towards ] station in the same direction as the first train. At the time of first explosion, the second train had stopped in the tunnel between ] and Park Kultury stations. It was announced over the speakers that due to technical problems, the train would have to unload the passengers at the next stop. About 40 minutes later, the train reached the station, and once its doors opened, the second female suspect detonated the second explosion, killing fourteen commuters.<ref name="Kommersant1">{{cite news |url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=1345549 |title=Поезд шахидки|trans-title=The train of the suicide bomber |publisher=] |author=Nikolay Sergeyev |date=March 30, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402010520/http://kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=1345549 |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Panic included stampedes at both stations, as commuters attempted to escape.<ref name="msnbc 03-29-10" /> The second attack was carried out by a dark-haired woman with the equivalent of 2&nbsp;kg of TNT strapped to her waist. Both bombs were packed with metal nuts, bolts and screws, to increase the destructive impact of the blasts.<ref name=SRB>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=03&dd=29&nav_id=66131 |title=News&nbsp;— Politics&nbsp;— Unclear if Serbs were among victims in Moscow |publisher=B92 |date=March 11, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401154336/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=03&dd=29&nav_id=66131 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

]
The two women who carried out the attacks wore explosive belts, presumably using detonation devices set inside their mobile phones and activated by a call to self.<ref name="lenta_attack">{{cite web |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2010/03/29/attack/ |title=Terrorist acts in Moscow metro were performed by suicide bombers |publisher=Lenta.ru |language=ru |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330144239/http://www.lenta.ru/news/2010/03/29/attack/ |archive-date=March 30, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The attackers intended to strike during peak hours on a weekday when the subway would be at capacity. Eyewitnesses said that some survivors were so badly injured that they constantly splashed heavy amounts of blood on the floor and walls, until they were attended to by doctors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://article.wn.com/view/2010/03/29/Moscow_bomb_The_doctors_could_not_stop_the_victims_bleeding/ |title=Moscow bomb: 'The doctors could not stop the victims' bleeding' - Worldnews.com |publisher=Article.wn.com |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301152516/http://article.wn.com/view/2010/03/29/Moscow_bomb_The_doctors_could_not_stop_the_victims_bleeding/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

], the FSB chief, said its investigation pointed to "terrorist groups related to the ]".<ref name="bbc 8593961">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8593961.stm |title=Moscow Metro bombing masterminds 'will be destroyed' |work=BBC News |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401120829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8593961.stm |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Casualties ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
|+ Casualty statistics<ref name="casualty">{{cite web |url=http://mchs.gov.ru/emergency/detail.php?ID=31379& |title=МЧС СПИСКИ погибших и пострадавших при взрывах в метрополитене г. Москва 29.03.2010 г. |publisher=] |access-date=April 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404071610/http://www.mchs.gov.ru/emergency/detail.php?ID=31379& |archive-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
! Nationality<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130195253/http://www.asiaplus.tj/en/news/38/63897.html |date=January 30, 2016 }}. Asiaplus.tj. Retrieved on August 17, 2013.</ref>!! Deaths !! Hospitalized
|-
| {{RUS}} || 37 || 75
|-
| {{TJK}} || 3 || 1
|-
| {{MYS}} ||&nbsp;– || 3
|-
| {{PHI}} ||&nbsp;– || 1
|-
| {{KGZ}} ||&nbsp;– || 1
|-
| {{ISR}} ||&nbsp;– || 1
|-
| ''Unidentified'' ||&nbsp;– || 3
|-
| '''Total''' || '''40''' || '''85'''
|}
Citizenship of those killed and wounded was updated by the ].<ref name="casualty" />

Forty people, aged between 16 and 65, were killed in the explosions.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405013214/http://www.rferl.org/content/Moscow_SubwayBlasts_Mourners_Tell_Tales_Of_Lives_Lost_/2001205.html |date=April 5, 2010 }}. Rferl.org. Retrieved on January 27, 2011.</ref> This counts a victim who died of her injuries on March 30.<ref name="Guardian1">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/mar/30/moscow-metro-bomb-attack-deaths |title=Moscow metro death toll rises as national day of mourning begins |publisher=Guardian |date=March 30, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |location=London |first=Luke |last=Harding |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401155400/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/30/moscow-metro-bomb-attack-deaths |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62S0FM20100329 |title=Bombers kill at least 38 in Moscow subway |publisher=Reuters |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401081142/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62S0FM20100329 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">
{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62S0FM20100329 |title=Bombers kill at least 38 in Moscow subway |publisher=Reuters |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401081142/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62S0FM20100329 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> This figure was revised upwards from an earlier count of 36 killed, that had consisted of 24 people in the explosion at the Lubyanka station and 12 at Park Kultury. Two other people died in the resulting stampede at both the stations after the blast. Three of the dead were minors.<ref>
{{cite news |url=http://lifenews.ru/news/18872| script-title=ru:Родные опознали жертв терактов в метро|trans-title=Relatives identified the victims of the metro terror acts |language=ru |date=March 30, 2010 |publisher=] |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401121456/http://www.lifenews.ru/news/18872 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A high-ranking official of the ] of the Russian Federation, Captain Viktor Ginkut, was also amongst the passengers killed at Park Kultury station.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rian.ru/ter_news/20100330/217238389.html| script-title=ru:При взрыве в московском метро погиб капитан первого ранга ЧФ РФ|trans-title=During the bombings in Moscow metro, captain of RF Black Fleet died |language=ru |date=March 30, 2010 |publisher=Ria Novosti |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402184643/http://www.rian.ru/ter_news/20100330/217238389.html |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> His residential registry in ], Ukraine has raised the question of his actual nationality, but the ] refused to comment on it.<ref name="dual_nationality">{{cite web |url=http://news.bigmir.net/ukraine/261782/|script-title=ru:МИД отказался комментировать информацию о двойном гражданстве погибшего в Москве жителя Севастополя |publisher=Bigmir.net |language=ru |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405090045/http://news.bigmir.net/ukraine/261782/ |archive-date=April 5, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Over 100 other passengers sustained mild to serious injuries.<ref name="msnbc 03-29-10">{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna36077879 |title=Toll from Moscow subway blasts rises to 39: FSB security service's HQ is in building above one of targeted stations |last=NBC and news services |date=March 29, 2010 |publisher=MSNBC.com |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331012938/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36077879/ns/world_news-europe/ |archive-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="lenta_attack" /> Five of the injured passengers remained in critical condition for an extended period.

=== Subsequent false alarms ===

A third reportedly failed detonation was announced by ''Life News'' roughly 40 minutes later, aimed at one of the two ] stations; however, no explosives were found in the plastic bag, after it was taken from the station.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8592190.stm |title=Moscow Metro hit by deadly suicide bombings |publisher=BBC |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329053504/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8592190.stm |archive-date=March 29, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Around 10:04&nbsp;am local time a call from a public phone announcing another planned explosion was made to the ] station staff, but the caller soon revealed it to be a hoax.<ref name="top_rbc_incident">{{cite web |url=http://top.rbc.ru/incidents/29/03/2010/385817.shtml |title=Moscow police (GUVD) disproved information about third and fourth explosions |publisher=Top.rbc.ru |language=ru |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401100320/http://top.rbc.ru/incidents/29/03/2010/385817.shtml |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Another hoax occurred about an hour after the second explosion at the ] station when passengers noticed a Muslim woman entering the train.<ref name="ekho">
{{cite web |url=http://echo.msk.ru/news/667546-echo.html |title=According to preliminary data, explosions at Moscow underground stations Lubyanka and Park Kultury were performed by female suicide bombers |publisher=Ekho Moskvy |language=ru |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401034636/http://echo.msk.ru/news/667546-echo.html |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RBCdaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.rbcdaily.ru/2010/03/29/focus/467284 |title=Suicide bombers went down to the underground |publisher=RBCdaily |language=ru |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401054254/http://www.rbcdaily.ru/2010/03/29/focus/467284 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==
]
Russian television carried little coverage of the attacks for the first hour after the first explosion took place (at 7:57 am). Commentators have criticised this, alleging that it spread more panic and led to citizens feeling helpless.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8594375.stm |title=''Russia media criticise Kremlin over Moscow Metro bombs'', BBC |work=BBC News |date=March 17, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401041654/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8594375.stm |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2010/apr/01/press-freedom-russia |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Roy |last=Greenslade |title=Why Russian TV networks waited two hours to report bombings |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403004619/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2010/apr/01/press-freedom-russia |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Around 11:00&nbsp;am local time, a special operation was launched to patrol all the subway stations in search of possible clues to trace the instigators. Squads of local police performed passport control at every station of the ].<ref name="top_rbc_special">{{cite web|url=http://top.rbc.ru/special/metro/29/03/2010/385823.shtml |script-title=ru:Московское метро атаковано террористами |publisher=Top.rbc.ru |language=ru |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401100530/http://top.rbc.ru/special/metro/29/03/2010/385823.shtml |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
]
March 30 was declared a nationwide Day of Mourning.<ref name="1channel">{{cite news |url=http://www.1tv.ru/news/crime/163728 |title=В связи с произошедшими взрывами в Москве 30 марта объявлен Днем траура|trans-title=Day of Mourning will be held in Moscow on March 30 in relation to the bombings |publisher=First Channel |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401034924/http://www.1tv.ru/news/crime/163728 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Prime Minister ] issued a decree ordering the allocation from the Reserve Fund of 300,000 ] (approx. $11,000 USD) to the families of those killed in the bombings, plus 18,000 rubles for funeral expenses, and of 50,000–100,000 rubles to those who were injured in the attacks, depending on the severity of their injuries.<ref name="Interfax, compensation decree">{{cite news|title=Families of Moscow metro attacks will be paid 300,000 rubles&nbsp;– government decree |url=http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=154730 |agency=] |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512171648/http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=154730 |archive-date=May 12, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Stack, 2010-03-29">{{cite news|first=Megan K |last=Stack |title=Suicide bombers hit two Moscow subway stations |url=http://www.latimes.com/la-fg-moscow-blast29-2010mar29,0,4320559.story |newspaper=] |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401090059/http://www.latimes.com/la-fg-moscow-blast29-2010mar29%2C0%2C4320559.story |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Authorities announced that due to upcoming Easter (Paskha), ] and ], strict security would be imposed on Moscow's metro network up until May 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rian.ru/moscow/20100331/217416074.html |title=Усиленные меры безопасности сохранятся в метро Москвы до 15 мая&nbsp;– Гаев|trans-title=Beefed up security in Moscow metro will be kept until May 15&nbsp;– Gaev |publisher=Ria Novosti |language=ru |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405051232/http://www.rian.ru/moscow/20100331/217416074.html |archive-date=April 5, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the terror bombings, the number of daily commuters in the Moscow metro decreased by 17% the next day.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rian.ru/ter_news/20100331/217372790.html |script-title=ru:Пассажиропоток в метро Москвы во вторник сократился почти на 20% |trans-title=Passenger commute at Moscow metro decreased by almost 20% on Tuesday |publisher=Ria Novosti |language=ru |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-date=February 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220183419/http://rian.ru/ter_news/20100331/217372790.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Follow-up ===
About 48 hours after the Moscow Metro bombings a double suicide bombing hit the Caucasian Republic of ], killing the city police chief amongst others. Russia immediately drew parallels, saying the two bombings were linked.{{cn|date=August 2021}} On April 1 another bombing in Dagestan killed two more people.{{cn|date=August 2021}} On April 5, exactly a week after the Moscow attacks, another bombing in Ingushetia targeting a police barracks drew parallels between that and the Dagestan attacks. It was feared that these incidents might lead to an escalation of violence in general.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605061337/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/04/20104555237217343.html |date=June 5, 2011 }}. Al Jazeera English (April 5, 2010). Retrieved on January 27, 2011.</ref>


== Investigation == == Investigation ==
]
Officials suspect that Muslim rebels from the ] region are responsible for the attack.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/world/europe/30moscow.html?hp|title=Subway Blasts Kill Dozens in Moscow|publisher=The New York Times|date=March 29, 2010}}</ref><ref name="bbc"/> <ref name="bbc"/>
According to Interfax news agency, citing law enforcement sources, surveillance cameras captured two women&nbsp;– aged between 18 and 20&nbsp;– boarding the metro at the Yugo-Zapadnaya station. Police were hunting for one 30-year-old man with ] features, and two other women of ] appearance aged 22 and 45 who had been seen shepherding the bombers into the station.<ref name="CNN-30" /> All had their faces uncovered.<ref>{{cite news |first=Luke |last=Harding |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/mar/29/moscow-bombings-vladimir-putin/print |title=Moscow bombings: Putin vows to destroy group behind attacks |work=The Guardian |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |location=London |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130195252/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/mar/29/moscow-bombings-vladimir-putin/print |url-status=live }}</ref>


Unconfirmed reports said the perpetrators tried to take the explosives to the Russian ] building on ].<ref name="1channel" /> Law enforcement also speculated the suicide bombers may have confused the stations, missing one of their original targets&nbsp;– ] station. They opine that the attackers intended to blow up the Lubyanka station, which is located next to central headquarters of ], and then Oktyabrskaya, which is attached to the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aif.ru/crime/article/33669 |title=Террористки-смертницы могли перепутать станции метро|trans-title=Suicide bombers could have confused the metro stations |publisher=] |author=Lena Chuguy |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401082714/http://www.aif.ru/crime/article/33669 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Around 11:00AM local time, operation "Vulkan" was launched to patrol all the subway stations in search of possible clues to trace the instigators. A ] control brigade of local militia has also been deployed on every station of the Sokolnicheskaya line.<ref name="top_rbc_special">{{cite web
Officials suspect that Muslim rebels from the troubled ] region that includes ] are responsible for the attack.<ref name="msnbc 03-29-10" /><ref name="bbc" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/world/europe/30moscow.html?pagewanted=print |title=Moscow Attack a Test for Putin and His Record Against Terror |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 30, 2010 |first=Clifford |last=Levy |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-date=April 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430030911/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/world/europe/30moscow.html?pagewanted=print |url-status=live }}</ref> The link to the Caucasian group<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/International/2010/03/29/UPI-NewsTrack-TopNews/UPI-61021269879096/ |title=UPI NewsTrack TopNews |publisher=UPI.com |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021140739/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/International/2010/03/29/UPI-NewsTrack-TopNews/UPI-61021269879096/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref></ref> was immediate. According to preliminary reports, law enforcement were notified about possible terror acts through three telegrams indicating potential threats to Moscow's transport system, but the suicide bombers passed through the security. Unofficial reports the morning before the attacks took place indicate many female passengers of ] appearance were stopped and checked by Moscow security enforcement under pretence of routine ID verifications, and taken to local precincts.<ref name="Kommersant1" />
|url=http://top.rbc.ru/special/metro/29/03/2010/385823.shtml
|title=Московское метро атаковано террористами. ФОТО. ВИДЕО.
|publisher=Top.rbc.ru
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref>


]
The ] started criminal case under article 205 of the ] ("act of terrorism").<ref name="expert">{{cite web
The Investigation Committee of the Procuracy of the Russian Federation started a criminal investigation under Article 205 of the ] ("act of terrorism").<ref name="expert">{{cite web |url=http://www.expert.ru/news/2010/03/29/metro/ |title=Underground&nbsp;— explosions |publisher=Expert.ru |language=ru |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403040521/http://www.expert.ru/news/2010/03/29/metro/ |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|url=http://www.expert.ru/news/2010/03/29/metro/
|title=Метро – взрывы
|publisher=Expert.ru
|language=Russian
|date=2010-03-29
|accessdate=2010-03-29
}}</ref>


==Reaction== == Perpetrators ==

{{RUS}}
Two female natives of Dagestan are believed to have detonated the explosions. Russian authorities released photographs of both women, showing their facial features to be intact and possibly identifiable.<ref name="Telegraph"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/30/russia.subway.explosions/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=Russian police release subway bomb suspects's photos |publisher=CNN |date=March 30, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403000704/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/03/30/russia.subway.explosions/index.html?hpt=T1 |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Russia's FSB security service have named the suicide bomber behind the Park Kultury metro station explosion<ref name="english.aljazeera.net"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403054538/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/04/20104213214264919.html |date=April 3, 2010 }} Al Jazeera English (April 2, 2010).Retrieved on January 27, 2011.</ref> as '''Dzhanet Abdullayeva''' (1992–2010), ] who had lived in the Khasavyurtsky region of Dagestan.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/7534464/Moscow-bombing-who-are-the-Black-Widows.html |title=Moscow bombing: who are the Black Widows |publisher=Telegraph |first=Andrew |last=Osborn |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401032204/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/7534464/Moscow-bombing-who-are-the-Black-Widows.html |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> She was the widow of 30-year-old ], a prominent insurgent killed by Russian forces on December 31, 2009.<ref name=reuguy>{{cite news |last=Faulconbridge |first=Guy |title=Russia says Moscow bomber was teenage "Black Widow" |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-bombings-idUSTRE6311FK20100402 |access-date=August 30, 2012 |newspaper=Reuters |date=April 2, 2012 |location=Moscow |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216170340/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/04/02/us-russia-bombings-idUSTRE6311FK20100402 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that: "We will continue the operation against terrorists without hesitation and to the end. It is difficult to prevent such terrorist attacks and to provide security on transport. It is necessary to tighten what we do, to look at the problem on a national scale, not only relating to a certain populated area but on a national scale. Obviously, what we have done before is not enough.<ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-03/29/c_13229439.htm</ref>

* Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin added: "It is well known that today a terrible crime against civilians in its effects and disgusting in its character was carried out....I am sure that police will do their best to find and punish the criminals. The terrorists will be destroyed."<ref>http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100329/158346686.html</ref>
Investigators confirmed that the second attacker was '''Maryam Sharipova''', a 28-year-old schoolteacher from Dagestan, after her father identified her body<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407054523/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/04/201046141158638627.html |date=April 7, 2010 }}. Al Jazeera English (April 7, 2010). Retrieved on January 27, 2011.</ref> although he claimed she had a degree in mathematics and psychology and taught computer science while never expressing any "radical beliefs". Although, there was some speculation as to whether her brother had been arrested in connection to North Caucassian fighters.<ref name="aljazeera2">{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/03/2010331171748201274.html |title=Europe&nbsp;– Chechen rebel claims Moscow attacks |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=April 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402022913/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/03/2010331171748201274.html |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406053618/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/04/201045142533794297.html |date=April 6, 2010 }}. Al Jazeera English (April 5, 2010). Retrieved on January 27, 2011.</ref> Police had identified an apartment rented out by two suspected accomplices of the bombers. The men were believed to have accompanied the women to a metro station in the southwest of the city and handed over the bomb belts. They then went back to the apartment where they were said to have remotely detonated the charges. The two were known to police who have put them on a wanted list.<ref name="english.aljazeera.net"/>
* Chechen president ] said: "Terror attacks were staged in Moscow. People died and were injured. Again terrorism bids defiance to the state, society. The organizers and executors, whoever they are, are trying to spark chaos, drive Russia into the abyss of fear, distrust, undermine its economy. There should be no indifferent people in the fight against this evil. Evil does not choose its victims on the basis of national, religious, or racial traits..."During this difficult day for Russia's peoples, we declare with all responsibility that will fight against terrorists until they are completely destroyed. It is impossible to eradicate evil just by persuasion," he said, adding those guilty of the attacks "should be found and punished." <ref>http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100329/158346506.html</ref>

Moscow said that there were an additional twenty-one "black widows" ready to strike, and were studying if the alleged attackers were part of an original group of thirty.<ref name="montreal"/> Female ], known as "black widows," have been involved in suicide bombings on numerous occasions, including ] that took off from ], previous Moscow metro bombings, the ], and the ].<ref name="Telegraph"/>

The ] immediately denied responsibility for the attack, saying that they planned attacks on economic targets inside Russia, but not against civilians. However, the attack followed a warning from Chechen rebel leader ] the prior month of his intent to spread the Caucasian insurgency to Russian cities.<ref name="montreal">{{cite news |last=Grove |first=Thomas |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-bombing-denial-idUSTRE62U2F920100331 |title=Islamist group says not behind Moscow bombs |publisher=Reuters |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130195253/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-bombing-denial-idUSTRE62U2F920100331 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two days following the blasts, in a video message posted on a Chechen rebel website, Umarov claimed that his group was behind the bombings and that he had ordered the attacks. He said the Moscow attacks were an act of revenge for the killings of Chechen and ] civilians by Russian security forces near ] on February 11, and that more attacks would follow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8597792.stm |title=Chechen rebel says he ordered Moscow Metro attacks |publisher=BBC |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402181059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8597792.stm |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{quote|On March, 29 in Moscow were accomplished two special operations on exterminating ]s and saying hello to the ]. Both these operations were accomplished by my order And today, any politician, any journalist, any person that would condemn these operations, accuse me of terrorism, I laugh to his face, I only grin|author=] (] of the ], ex-president of the ])|source=Statement of the Amir of the Caucasus Emirate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu6oL0Hwirc&feature=popular |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528064501/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu6oL0Hwirc |archive-date=2010-05-28 |url-status=dead|title=Заявление Амира Имарата Кавказ Докку Абу Усмана. 29.03.2010 |publisher=YouTube |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref>}}

On May 13, ] director ] announced that they had identified all members of the group behind the attack and that three of the members were killed during a raid in an attempt to detain them, one of them being the person who escorted the suicide bombers from ] to Moscow.{{cn|date=December 2020}} Bortnikov was quoted as saying: "To our great regret, we were unable to detain them alive because they put up fierce armed resistance and were killed."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8680074.stm |access-date=May 13, 2010 |publisher=BBC News |title=Moscow attack 'planners' killed |date=May 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516150652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8680074.stm |archive-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
]

Following the attacks, ] ] and Prime Minister ] as well as ], ] of the ], were quick to comment on the attacks.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

The attack also sparked condemnation and expressions of condolence from numerous governments and heads of state, as well as international bodies such as ], the ], and the ] who also condemned the attacks and/or expressed condolences to the victims' families.{{cn|date=May 2023}}

Amongst media reactions, there was controversy about how the Russian media handled the reporting in the first hours after the attack. Outside Russia, the United States increased security and police presence on transit systems in New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and ] following the attacks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/9009505 |title=US transit security increased over Moscow blast |date=March 29, 2010 |first=Megan K. |last=Scott |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 30, 2010 |location=London |work=The Guardian |archive-date=March 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312124846/https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/dec/09/removed-news-agency-feed-article |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear|right}}


== See also == == See also ==
{{Portal|Russia|Trains}}
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* ]
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== External links == == External links ==
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Latest revision as of 13:14, 2 August 2024

Islamist terror attacks

2010 Moscow Metro bombings
Part of Insurgency in the North Caucasus, Terrorism in Russia and Islamic terrorism in Europe
Central hall of the Lubyanka station
the day after the bombings
LocationMoscow, Russia
DateMarch 29, 2010
7:56/7:57 MSD and 8:37/8:39 MSD (UTC+4)
TargetMoscow Metro
Attack typeSuicide bombings
WeaponsHexogen explosives
DeathsTotal 40:
Lubyanka station: 26
Park Kultury station: 14
Injured102 (88 hospitalized)
PerpetratorCaucasus Emirate
No. of participants2 women
Terrorism in Russia
Bold italics indicate incidents resulting in more
than 50 deaths. Incidents are bombings,
unless described otherwise.
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The 2010 Moscow Metro bombings were suicide bombings carried out by two female Islamic terrorists during the morning rush hour of March 29, 2010, at two stations of the Moscow Metro (Lubyanka and Park Kultury), with roughly 40 minutes in between. At least 40 people were killed, and over 100 injured.

Russian officials called the incident "the deadliest and most sophisticated terrorist attack in the Russian capital in six years", a reference to the Avtozavodskaya and Rizhskaya bombings in 2004. At the time of the attacks, an estimated 500,000 people were commuting through Moscow's metro system.

Initial investigation indicated that the bombings were perpetrated by the militant Islamist Caucasus Emirate group. On March 31, Caucasus Emirate leader Doku Umarov claimed responsibility for ordering the attacks in a video released on the internet. He also stated that such attacks in Russia would continue unless Russia grants independence to Muslim states in the North Caucasus region. The man who brought the suicide bombers to Moscow was arrested in July 2010. The Anti-Terror Committee of Russia confirmed in August 2010 that Magomedali Vagabov, along with four other militants, was killed in an operation in Dagestan. He is believed to be a militant behind the bombings, a close associate of Doku Umarov and the husband of Mariam Sharipova, one of the two suicide bombers.

Background

The bombings were the latest in a series of attacks in Russia since 1994, many attributed to Chechen militants or to the Caucasus Emirate. Since 1999, Chechen separatists gradually shifted away from a pro-western approach of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, becoming strongly influenced by Salafi beliefs which placed them at odds not only with Russia and Pro-Russia Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, but also with a Dagestani population with strong Sufi traditions. A mujahideen group claim they are fighting a "holy war", and wish to create an "Emirate" in the Caucasus. Over 5,000 people have been killed and wounded in the Caucasus since 2002.

Suicide bombings

Locations of the attacks on a metro map

The first explosion occurred on the Red Arrow – 75 years train at the Lubyanka station at approximately 7:56 am local time (03:56 UTC). The train started from Yugo-Zapadnaya, and stopped at Lubyanka station. Once the train doors opened, explosives worn by a woman standing at the second carriage's second exit detonated. The explosive had a force of up to 1.5 kg of trinitrotoluene (TNT). Fifteen people on board the train, and eleven people on the platform, were killed. One victim from the third carriage died from a head injury caused by an 8 mm (0.31 in) piece of metal.

A second explosion at the Park Kultury station followed at approximately 8:38 am, caused by another female, who at the time of the first explosion was riding another train from Yugo-Zapadnaya towards Ulitsa Podbelskogo station in the same direction as the first train. At the time of first explosion, the second train had stopped in the tunnel between Frunzenskaya and Park Kultury stations. It was announced over the speakers that due to technical problems, the train would have to unload the passengers at the next stop. About 40 minutes later, the train reached the station, and once its doors opened, the second female suspect detonated the second explosion, killing fourteen commuters. Panic included stampedes at both stations, as commuters attempted to escape. The second attack was carried out by a dark-haired woman with the equivalent of 2 kg of TNT strapped to her waist. Both bombs were packed with metal nuts, bolts and screws, to increase the destructive impact of the blasts.

The Red Arrow – 75 years train
upon its first launch

The two women who carried out the attacks wore explosive belts, presumably using detonation devices set inside their mobile phones and activated by a call to self. The attackers intended to strike during peak hours on a weekday when the subway would be at capacity. Eyewitnesses said that some survivors were so badly injured that they constantly splashed heavy amounts of blood on the floor and walls, until they were attended to by doctors.

Alexander Bortnikov, the FSB chief, said its investigation pointed to "terrorist groups related to the North Caucasus".

Casualties

Casualty statistics
Nationality Deaths Hospitalized
 Russia 37 75
 Tajikistan 3 1
 Malaysia  – 3
 Philippines  – 1
 Kyrgyzstan  – 1
 Israel  – 1
Unidentified  – 3
Total 40 85

Citizenship of those killed and wounded was updated by the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Forty people, aged between 16 and 65, were killed in the explosions. This counts a victim who died of her injuries on March 30. This figure was revised upwards from an earlier count of 36 killed, that had consisted of 24 people in the explosion at the Lubyanka station and 12 at Park Kultury. Two other people died in the resulting stampede at both the stations after the blast. Three of the dead were minors.

A high-ranking official of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, Captain Viktor Ginkut, was also amongst the passengers killed at Park Kultury station. His residential registry in Sevastopol, Ukraine has raised the question of his actual nationality, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia refused to comment on it.

Over 100 other passengers sustained mild to serious injuries. Five of the injured passengers remained in critical condition for an extended period.

Subsequent false alarms

A third reportedly failed detonation was announced by Life News roughly 40 minutes later, aimed at one of the two Prospekt Mira stations; however, no explosives were found in the plastic bag, after it was taken from the station. Around 10:04 am local time a call from a public phone announcing another planned explosion was made to the Begovaya station staff, but the caller soon revealed it to be a hoax.

Another hoax occurred about an hour after the second explosion at the Ulitsa Podbelskogo station when passengers noticed a Muslim woman entering the train.

Aftermath

Overcrowded surface public transport lines on the day of the bombings

Russian television carried little coverage of the attacks for the first hour after the first explosion took place (at 7:57 am). Commentators have criticised this, alleging that it spread more panic and led to citizens feeling helpless.

Around 11:00 am local time, a special operation was launched to patrol all the subway stations in search of possible clues to trace the instigators. Squads of local police performed passport control at every station of the Sokolnicheskaya Line.

Commuters leave flowers at the Lubyanka station

March 30 was declared a nationwide Day of Mourning. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin issued a decree ordering the allocation from the Reserve Fund of 300,000 rubles (approx. $11,000 USD) to the families of those killed in the bombings, plus 18,000 rubles for funeral expenses, and of 50,000–100,000 rubles to those who were injured in the attacks, depending on the severity of their injuries.

Authorities announced that due to upcoming Easter (Paskha), May 1 International Workers Day and May 9 Victory Day, strict security would be imposed on Moscow's metro network up until May 15, 2010. As a result of the terror bombings, the number of daily commuters in the Moscow metro decreased by 17% the next day.

Follow-up

About 48 hours after the Moscow Metro bombings a double suicide bombing hit the Caucasian Republic of Dagestan, killing the city police chief amongst others. Russia immediately drew parallels, saying the two bombings were linked. On April 1 another bombing in Dagestan killed two more people. On April 5, exactly a week after the Moscow attacks, another bombing in Ingushetia targeting a police barracks drew parallels between that and the Dagestan attacks. It was feared that these incidents might lead to an escalation of violence in general.

Investigation

Special meeting following
the Moscow metro bombings

According to Interfax news agency, citing law enforcement sources, surveillance cameras captured two women – aged between 18 and 20 – boarding the metro at the Yugo-Zapadnaya station. Police were hunting for one 30-year-old man with North Caucasian features, and two other women of Slavic appearance aged 22 and 45 who had been seen shepherding the bombers into the station. All had their faces uncovered.

Unconfirmed reports said the perpetrators tried to take the explosives to the Russian Ministry of Defense building on Arbat street. Law enforcement also speculated the suicide bombers may have confused the stations, missing one of their original targets – Oktyabrskaya station. They opine that the attackers intended to blow up the Lubyanka station, which is located next to central headquarters of FSB, and then Oktyabrskaya, which is attached to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Officials suspect that Muslim rebels from the troubled North Caucasus region that includes Chechnya are responsible for the attack. The link to the Caucasian group was immediate. According to preliminary reports, law enforcement were notified about possible terror acts through three telegrams indicating potential threats to Moscow's transport system, but the suicide bombers passed through the security. Unofficial reports the morning before the attacks took place indicate many female passengers of North Caucasian appearance were stopped and checked by Moscow security enforcement under pretence of routine ID verifications, and taken to local precincts.

Commuters leave flowers at the Park Kultury station

The Investigation Committee of the Procuracy of the Russian Federation started a criminal investigation under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code ("act of terrorism").

Perpetrators

Two female natives of Dagestan are believed to have detonated the explosions. Russian authorities released photographs of both women, showing their facial features to be intact and possibly identifiable. Russia's FSB security service have named the suicide bomber behind the Park Kultury metro station explosion as Dzhanet Abdullayeva (1992–2010), "black widow" who had lived in the Khasavyurtsky region of Dagestan. She was the widow of 30-year-old Umalat Magomedov, a prominent insurgent killed by Russian forces on December 31, 2009.

Investigators confirmed that the second attacker was Maryam Sharipova, a 28-year-old schoolteacher from Dagestan, after her father identified her body although he claimed she had a degree in mathematics and psychology and taught computer science while never expressing any "radical beliefs". Although, there was some speculation as to whether her brother had been arrested in connection to North Caucassian fighters. Police had identified an apartment rented out by two suspected accomplices of the bombers. The men were believed to have accompanied the women to a metro station in the southwest of the city and handed over the bomb belts. They then went back to the apartment where they were said to have remotely detonated the charges. The two were known to police who have put them on a wanted list.

Moscow said that there were an additional twenty-one "black widows" ready to strike, and were studying if the alleged attackers were part of an original group of thirty. Female suicide bombers, known as "black widows," have been involved in suicide bombings on numerous occasions, including 2004 bombings of two passenger planes that took off from Domodedovo International Airport, previous Moscow metro bombings, the Moscow theater hostage crisis, and the Beslan school hostage crisis.

The Caucasus Emirate immediately denied responsibility for the attack, saying that they planned attacks on economic targets inside Russia, but not against civilians. However, the attack followed a warning from Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov the prior month of his intent to spread the Caucasian insurgency to Russian cities.

Two days following the blasts, in a video message posted on a Chechen rebel website, Umarov claimed that his group was behind the bombings and that he had ordered the attacks. He said the Moscow attacks were an act of revenge for the killings of Chechen and Ingush civilians by Russian security forces near Arshty on February 11, and that more attacks would follow.

On March, 29 in Moscow were accomplished two special operations on exterminating kafirs and saying hello to the FSB. Both these operations were accomplished by my order And today, any politician, any journalist, any person that would condemn these operations, accuse me of terrorism, I laugh to his face, I only grin

— Doku Umarov (Amir of the Caucasus Emirate, ex-president of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria), Statement of the Amir of the Caucasus Emirate.

On May 13, FSB director Aleksandr Bortnikov announced that they had identified all members of the group behind the attack and that three of the members were killed during a raid in an attempt to detain them, one of them being the person who escorted the suicide bombers from Dagestan to Moscow. Bortnikov was quoted as saying: "To our great regret, we were unable to detain them alive because they put up fierce armed resistance and were killed."

Reactions

President Dmitry Medvedev visits the Lubyanka Metro

Following the attacks, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as well as Ramzan Kadyrov, President of the Chechen Republic, were quick to comment on the attacks.

The attack also sparked condemnation and expressions of condolence from numerous governments and heads of state, as well as international bodies such as NATO, the Council of Europe, and the European Union who also condemned the attacks and/or expressed condolences to the victims' families.

Amongst media reactions, there was controversy about how the Russian media handled the reporting in the first hours after the attack. Outside Russia, the United States increased security and police presence on transit systems in New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Atlanta following the attacks.

See also

References

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