On Jan. 24, 2011 at approximately 4:30 pm Moscow time, a large blast ripped through the arrivals area at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow. While early accounts vary, it is believed that at least 30 people are dead and over 130 injured. RIA Novosti is reporting that at least 20 of the injured are in critical condition.
As the explosion occurred in the arrivals area near the baggage carousel, it was first believed that the bomb was contained in a piece of luggage that arrived on an incoming flight. Authorities now believe that the devastating explosion was the work of a suicide bomber who was in the crowd waiting for passengers at the arrival gate.
In the wake of the explosion, Russia has increased security at other transportation centres. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying, “It is necessary to step up security at all airports, railway stations and transportation hubs. I order you, Transport Minister Igor Levitin and together with Interior Minister [Rashid Nurgaliyev] to employ the relevant procedures in cooperation with the Federal Security Service.”
Domodedovo Airport
Domodedovo Airport is the largest in Russia. It is also the country’s busiest airport and during 2009 over 18.6 million people passed through the facility located about 22 km. southeast of Moscow.
Thirty six foreign carriers have landing rights at Domodedovo and is Moscow’s main hub for international flights. According to an airport spokesperson, with the exception of some of these international flights, planes were still landing and departing after the blast occurred.
On its website, Domodedovo Airport states that the facility employs state of the art technology to provide for the security and safety of its passengers and guests.
Terrorist Attacks Not New To Domodedovo Airport
On Aug. 24, 2004, two Chechen women went to Domodedovo Airport and boarded two separate flights. Each woman was carrying a bomb that exploded almost simultaneously, destroying both planes. A total of 90 people, including the terrorists, died.
As reported by the New York Times, authorities were suspicious of the women and they were detained for a time. A police supervisor later made the decision to let them go and board their respective planes. The airport came under heavy criticism for its lack of security and steps were taken to improve security at the facility.
Public Places Most Vulnerable To Terrorist Attacks
Although this attack took place at an airport, the most significant factor is that explosives were not placed on a plane but were carried by individuals who were in a public place. Attacks in public places such as airports, sporting venues and shopping malls as well as mass transportation facilities such as subways and buses are the most difficult to guard against.
Arthur Weinreb - Weinreb is an author, associate editor and columnist with Canada Free Press and the Canadian Affairs Feature Writer for Suite 101.
Join the Conversation