Moscow steps up subway security

Moscow officials have ordered stepped-up security measures for the Russian capital’s underground transportation system.

A spokeswoman for the city system said increased security would be put in place, but she refused to specify what that was.

Earlier, Dmitry Gayev, head of the Moscow subway system, said the system was prepared for such incidents.

“We have a predetermined plan of action in such situations,” Gayev was quoted as saying by the RIA-Novosti agency. At present time, he said “it is going into effect.”

Interfax, citing an unidentified source with the subway service, said that subway employees were being instructed to be vigilant, particularly at subway entrances.

Moscow’s subway has seen two terror attacks in the past two years, most recently last August when a female suicide bomber blew herself up outside a station, killing 10 people and injuring more than 50.

A Moscow city police spokeswoman said she had no information on extra security measures being taken in the Russian capital.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko was quoted as saying by ITAR-Tass and Interfax that the Russian diplomats in London were in contact with British authorities, trying to determine if any Russian citizens were among the casualties.

“The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the lethal terrorist acts in London,” Yakovenko was quoted as saying.