Two Suicide bombings in Moscow

Two suicide bombings occurred within 45 minutes of each other at two separate Metro stations in central Moscow during the morning rush hour on 29 March 2010, killing at least 37 people and injuring up to 102. The first incident occurred at 0752 local time (0352 UTC) at the Lubyanka station located near the headquarters of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), where a bomb exploded in the second car of a train, killing at least 24 people on the train and the platform. Approximately 40 minutes later, the Park Kulturey station was hit with an explosion that killed at least 12 people. The first blast was the stronger of the two, with an estimated force of up to 8.8 lb/4 kg of TNT, more than double the estimated force of the second bomb; both bombs had been packed with nuts and bolts for added shrapnel. Officials have indicated that two female suicide bombers caused the explosions by detonating bombs attached to their waists; the bodies of the two women -- both residents of the North Caucasus area -- were found at the blast sites. Despite the link to this restive area of Russia, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. The bombings may have been in retaliation for recent operations against militants in the North Caucasus region that resulted in the killing of several militant leaders. Immediately after the blasts, the entire Moscow Metro system was shut down and all surrounding streets cordoned off while police officers and bomb squads searched the areas, virtually paralyzing traffic in central Moscow. Approximately 700 interior ministry troops were deployed to help maintain security throughout the city. Security was also increased nationwide in response to the attacks, including at Russia’s airports. A nationwide day of mourning has been set for 30 March.