The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) successfully thwarted an attack on a synagogue in Moscow, as announced. A suspect from a Central Asian country was planning to carry out the attack during a meeting of citizens at the synagogue and had purchased components to create an improvised explosive device. However, when confronted by authorities, the suspect engaged in armed resistance and was neutralized.
The FSB discovered a ready-to-use improvised explosive device and other explosives in the suspect’s home. This incident comes in the wake of the ISIS attack on the Crocus concert hall in March, which resulted in over 130 deaths. Security measures have been heightened in response to these threats, with concerns also extending to potential attacks in other countries.
Director of FBI Christopher Wray expressed concerns about coordinated attacks similar to the ISIS attack in Russia during a hearing in Congress. He emphasized that lone wolf attackers inspired by events in the Middle East pose an immediate threat and that preventing individuals or small groups from carrying out such attacks remains a top priority.