US "Obtained Terror Movement... Prior Notice Given to Russian Authorities"

by Choi Yuri

Published 23 Mar.2024 13:34(KST)

As Russia reels from a shooting terror attack at a concert hall, the United States has stated that it had issued a prior warning to Russian authorities about the possibility of a large-scale terror attack.

On the 22nd (local time), according to major foreign media, Adrian Watson, spokesperson for the U.S. White House National Security Council (NSC), mentioned this during a press briefing just hours after the shooting terror attack near a concert hall in Moscow became known.

On the 22nd (local time), flames are rising at a large concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, where a indiscriminate shooting incident occurred.
[Photo by Reuters]

He said, "The U.S. government obtained information earlier this month about terrorist attack plans targeting large gatherings, including concert venues in Moscow," adding, "Accordingly, the U.S. State Department issued an advisory for Americans in Russia."

Watson also added, "In accordance with the U.S. government's policy on 'duty to warn,' this information was also shared with Russian authorities."

Earlier on the 7th of this month, the U.S. Embassy in Russia stated in a release that "reports are being reviewed indicating that extremists are planning attacks targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts."

At that time, the U.S. Embassy advised Americans in Russia to evacuate, warning that an attack could occur within 48 hours.

However, the White House has taken a cautious stance on whether the "attack plans" mentioned by the U.S. Embassy are related to this terror attack.

John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for National Security Communications, said at a briefing that day in response to questions about the embassy's warning, "It does not appear to specifically refer to this incident," and added, "We are not aware that we had prior knowledge of this incident."

On the other hand, the U.S. daily The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, that the embassy's warning earlier this month is related to this terror attack.

Regarding the U.S. government's 'extremist terror' warning, pro-government figures in Russia have dismissed it as intimidation intended to unsettle Russians.

According to the NYT, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the embassy's evacuation statement on the 19th, three days before the terror attack, calling it a "clear threat" created with the intent to "threaten and destabilize our society."

President Putin has yet to issue an official statement regarding the terror attack that occurred on the 22nd.