Moscow on alert after bombings
2010-03-29 14:06
Moscow - Moscow was on high alert on Monday with security stepped up at airports, train stations and other sites, officials said, after twin suicide bombings in the city's metro killed at least 36 people.
"Police patrols at train stations and the capital's airports have been increased and identity controls tightened," an interior ministry spokesperson told RIA Novosti state news agency.
The heightened security measures at the city's four airports included enhanced use of metal detectors and increased screening of passengers before they enter terminals.
The higher security came after law enforcement officials said the metro attacks were carried out by two female suicide bombers and Interfax news agency said police were searching for two more women possibly linked to the attacks.
Speaking to reporters at the scene of one of the metro stations attacked, Moscow's first deputy mayor, Pyotr Birukov, said security had been tightened throughout the Russian capital.
"Additional security measures have been taken throughout the city," Birukov told reporters.
RIA Novosti reported this included tighter security at other sites in the city where large numbers of people often gather, but did not elaborate.