“Strange choice of date”: FSB lieutenant colonel appreciated the warning about terrorist attacks in Moscow

Late in the evening of March 7, first the US and then the British embassies warned of the threat of terrorist attacks in the Russian capital in the next 48 hours: supposedly some extremists “have plans to attack large gatherings, including concerts.” Citizens of these countries who are in Moscow are advised to avoid any public events. We asked Alexey Filatov, president of the Alpha Group Officers union, FSB reserve lieutenant colonel, and security expert, to comment on this news.

– Alexey Alekseevich, how serious is this information, in your opinion? How should the authorities and the population react to it? And should we react at all?

– To be honest, I was also surprised by this message. I am more inclined to think that this is a canard, an element of informational, psychological warfare. Let’s say I wanted to spend this day in the city, and to be honest, this stresses me out. And I think that this information is perceived similarly by everyone to whom it reaches. You know, like in the joke: a strainer was found, but the sediment remained. Even if nothing happens, the mood will be spoiled. This will probably force someone to stay home and change their plans.

If we talk about the sources of the terrorist threat, then we do not have many, so to speak, opponents who are ready to carry out serious terrorist and sabotage measures. In first place, of course, are the SBU and other security forces of Ukraine. The threat from ISIS (a terrorist organization banned in Russia. “MK”) and related movements also remains. But the choice of date looks quite strange – if we consider the danger real.

Terrorists usually try to carry out their attacks on special, significant days in order to enhance their effect. And on March 8… No, it is clear that there will be some kind of mass gatherings on this day. But we have elections in a week: next weekend is much more “interesting” for terrorists – whoever they are. In general, I want to believe that this is a fake. At the same time, I don’t remember a single case in which statements made at such a level were pure fakes, in which representatives of America and Great Britain “joked” in a similar way on this topic.

Either this is a new type of struggle in the information space, or our colleagues, I mean the security forces of the relevant countries, really have such information. Of course, our relations with the Americans and the British are now, to put it mildly, strained, but, as far as I know, certain communication on issues related to the fight against terrorism still takes place. Therefore, before warning their citizens in Russia, they, in theory, should have exchanged this information with our security forces.

– It is noteworthy that our competent authorities have not yet publicly responded to these reports. Perhaps the silence is explained precisely by the fact that such information actually arrived through the remaining channels, and, as they say, they are now working with it?

– If she did, then I think the reaction would be immediate. No, it seems to me that such a long delay is explained by the fact that there is also no clear understanding of the situation. I think that a little later there will be a reaction. And I hope she will be optimistic.

– Did this news force you to change your plans?

– No, I won’t change my plans. I have my whole day planned out: meetings, congratulations, going to a restaurant… In general, everything is as usual on this holiday. If we talk about how ordinary citizens should react to all this, I would advise everyone not to lose composure, not to panic, but to be careful and vigilant.

Let’s say, when you enter a building, for example, a cinema, you need to pay attention to where the emergency exits are, how you can evacuate if some kind of emergency arises. The time, unfortunately, is now such that you need to be constantly on alert in any case – regardless of any warnings.