State Department warns US citizens against visiting Northern Caucasus

The US State Department has warned American tourists about the terrorist threat that exists in the regions of Northern Caucasus and the cities hosting the FIFA World Cup.

In Russia, terror acts may be committed on transport facilities, shopping centres and other popular tourist sites. During the World Cup, terrorists' targets may be stadiums and other places associated with the tournament, the State Department has noted.

US citizens are advised not to visit Russia and, if possible, avoid trips to Northern Caucasus, as "terror acts continue throughout Northern Caucasus, including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria."

The State Department has reminded that US and other countries' citizens happened to become, during their stay in Northern Caucasus, victims of kidnapping with the aim to claim ransom.

Also, "there were reliable reports about arrests, torture and extrajudicial executions of gays in Chechnya."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in January the US State Department categorized countries into four groups by the level of security for US tourists; and Russia got into the third group, where tourists are advised to avoid trips because of serious risks.