Russia - Discovery of five bodies in Stavropol prompts security alert

Security forces in Russia's southern city of Stavropol launched a security operation three days ago on 9 January. This followed the reported discovery of at least five bodies and an explosive device late on 8 January.

The bodies were found in four cars in two separate outlying areas of the city and the explosive device was located near one of the vehicles.

There is already a high threat of terrorism across Russia and this adds fuel to the fire in the runup to the Winter Olympics. threat of terrorism primarily stems from separatist and Islamist extremist groups based in the volatile North Caucasus region, which is south of Stavropol.

Terrorist incidents have occurred in the city recently; on 27 December, a car bombing in the Stavropol region killed at least two people. This, and other recent security incidents, has raised concerns over a possible terrorist attack targeting the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, which is located in the Krasnodar region, approximately 250km south west of Stavropol.

In response to the high terrorism threat, Russia launched a wide-scale security operation in Sochi. The measures are likely to curb any potential incursion in the city; however, the potential for terrorist attacks and related security incidents elsewhere in the country is assessed to be raised at the moment.

In light of recent terrorist events, additional security measures are expected to remain in place in the near-term, at least. These are likely to include road checkpoints and increased police patrols. Traveller to this region should expect an increased security presence throughout the region, including checkpoints, particularly at strategic infrastructure and transport hubs; ensuing travel delays are possible.

All travellers are advised to carry copies of their identification documents on their person at all times.

Source: Red24

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