The United States had issued a confidential warning to Russia about a possible terrorist attack on large gatherings, including concerts, in Moscow.
What happened: This warning was issued just days before the tragic accident at a concert hall near Moscow that killed more than 60 people and injured more than 145, the Wall Street Journal reported.
This warning was issued on March 7, almost a week before the attack on the concert hall on Friday evening.
The attack, which involved explosions and gunfire, occurred shortly after The re-election of Vladimir Putin for a sixth term as president of Russia. US officials suspect the Islamic State is behind the attack, a claim the group made through its affiliated Amaq news agency on Telegram.
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Russian authorities are currently investigating the incident as a terrorist attack, with the Federal Security Service confirming over a hundred injuries.
Because matter: The US warning to Russia, issued in line with its “duty to warn” policy, was based on credible and specific intelligence gathered over several months.
This policy requires U.S. spy agencies to alert foreign governments to potentially deadly threats if such information is available.
Despite the warning, the attack still occurred, raising questions about the effectiveness of such intelligence-sharing measures. This tragic incident not only resulted in significant loss of life, but also reignited concerns about terrorism in Russia, particularly in the wake of Putin’s recent re-election.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with help from Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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