Bombs in Moscow metro were set off by female suicide bombers

The Federal and City authorities stated that the bombs which exploded on the
Moscow metro during the Monday morning rush hour were set off by two female
suicide bombers. The first bomb went off in the second carriage of the
train at Lubyanka station at 07:56 hours, and 45 minutes later a bomb
ripped through the third carriage of a train at Park Kultury station.
It was confirmed that the total number killed in the blasts and the
ensuing events was 37, with 65 reported hospitalised.

Other lines were continuing to work, but the security presence on the
underground and at airports was stepped up and passengers bags were being
searched. Above-ground traffic was disrupted by emergency vehicles rushing
to the scenes, and mobile operators reported problems with the volume of
calls made. Police authorities called on Moscovites to be vigilant.

Security is being stepped up at transport hubs across the country.
Tuesday has been declared a day of national mourning for the victims.

The head of the Russian FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, has informed president
Dmitri Medvedev that examinations of the bodies have led his service to the
conclusion that the two Moscow suicide bombers were from the North Caucasus.

Prime minister Putin announced that he was cutting short a visit to
Siberia and returning to Moscow.

Abroad, US President Barack Obama condemned the "outrageous acts", adding
"the American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to
violent extremism and heinous terrorist attacks that demonstrate such
disregard for human life".