2010 Moscow Metro bombings — 2010 terrorist attack by Islamist militants in Moscow
Deadliest terrorist attack in Moscow in six years, killing at least 40 people during morning rush hour on the metro.
Key Facts
- Date
- March 29, 2010
- Stations attacked
- Lubyanka and Park Kultury
- Killed
- At least 40 people
- Injured
- Over 100 people
- Time between blasts
- Approximately 40 minutes
- Perpetrator group
- Caucasus Emirate
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Caucasus Emirate, an Islamist militant group led by Doku Umarov, sought to pressure Russia into granting independence to Muslim-majority states in the North Caucasus. Umarov later stated the attacks would continue unless Russia met these demands, indicating a deliberate campaign of violence against civilian infrastructure.
On March 29, 2010, two female suicide bombers carried out coordinated attacks at Lubyanka and Park Kultury metro stations during morning rush hour, killing at least 40 people and injuring over 100. An estimated 500,000 commuters were using the Moscow Metro at the time, maximizing the potential for mass casualties.
Russian authorities launched a major counter-terrorism response. In July 2010 the man who transported the bombers to Moscow was arrested, and in August 2010 Magomedali Vagabov, believed to be the operational organizer and husband of one bomber, was killed in Dagestan along with four other militants. Doku Umarov publicly claimed responsibility in a video posted online.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Doku Umarov, Magomedali Vagabov.
Side B
1 belligerent