Who: Unknown; possibly Caucasus Emirates

What: Explosion and suicide bombing at Russian Bus Station

Where: Russian city of Volgograd

When: December 29th and 30th, 2013

How: Suicide bomber
Brief Analysis: On Monday, 30 Dec 13, A suicide bomber killed 14 people on an electric bus in the Russian city of Volgograd during a typical Monday morning rush hour. This is the second suicide bombing in Volgograd in as many days and authorities believe the bombings are related. In the two days of explosions, more than 30 people were killed placing the city of over one million people. Additionally, the attacks bring to light the terrorist threat Russia is facing as it prepares to host the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. While terrorists may find it hard to get to the air tight guarded Winter Games, the attacks have shown they can engage targets elsewhere in Russia with relatively shocking ease. Although the city of Volgograd is located approximately 400 miles northeast of Sochi, it serves as one of the key transport sites for southern Russia that contains many bus routes linking it to volatile provinces in Russia's North Caucasus, where terrorists have been in search of an Islamic state. Vladimir Markin, the spokesman for Russia's main investigative agency, said Monday's explosion involved a bomb similar to the one used in Sunday's attack at the city's main railway station (Washinton Post). "That confirms the investigators' version that the two terror attacks were linked," Markin said in a statement. "They could have been prepared in one place."
Russian authorities have not placed blame and no groups have claimed responsibility for either bombing; however, the attacks have come several months after Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov threatened attacks against civilian targets in Russia, to include the Olympics in Sochi. Terror attacks, including suicide bombings have been impacting Russia for the last several years, however, the most recent attacks have been primarily located in the North Caucasus region. The consecutive attacks in Volgograd indicated that terrorists may be using the transportation hub as a renewed way of showing their reach outside their restive region (Intelligence Quarterly). One thing I found ironic is the city of Volgograd, is the formerly called Stalingrad…a city which was an extremely prideful due the WWII history, where the Russians overcame the Nazis. "Volgograd, a symbol of Russia's suffering and victory in World War II, has been singled out by the terrorist leaders precisely because of its status in people's minds," Dmitry Trenin, the head of the Carnegie Endowment's Moscow office, said in a commentary posted on the organization's website (Intelligence Quarterly).
Monday's explosion ripped away much of the bus's exterior and shattered windows in nearby buildings. It virtually paralyzed public transport in the city, forcing many residents to walk long distances to get to work (Aljazeera America).
The theme of the criticism I have read seems to suggest that Russian authorities have taken too long to implement stronger security checks on bus and other transportation routes, resulting in militants making them the choice for terrorists in the region. Earlier this year, Russian authorities established a security measure for intercity bus passengers to present a valid identification when buying transportation tickets; however, procedures have remained loose and many of the routes are not controlled or monitored. Security measures only can do some much in some situations. The first bombing on 29 December happened when the suicide bomber detonated in the crowd in front of the station's metal detectors. The terrorist detonated a bomb adjacent to the station's main entrance when a vigilant police officer became suspicious and moved towards the device. That officer was killed by the blast, and several other policemen were among some 40 people wounded. (Washington Post).

Security Measure: The Russain Interior Ministry has ordered police to enhance force numbers and security patrols at all railway stations and several other transport facilities across Russia. In past years, Russia has seen a series of terror attacks on buses, trains and airplanes, some carried out by suicide bombers. Twin bombings on the Moscow subway in March 2010 by female suicide bombers killed 40 people and wounded more than 120. In January 2011, a male suicide bomber struck Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, killing 37 people and injuring more than 180 (USAToday, 2013). The Olympics Committee has publicly expressed its condolences over the attacks in Volgograd; but stated they are confident of Russia's capability to protect the people and Winter Games. Russian authorities have introduced some of the most extensive identity checks and sweeping security measures ever seen at an international sports event (USA Today, 2013). As far as reducing the psychological effect of the most recent attacks, I would venture to guess that the Russian government will increase budgets to provide more personnel requirements throughtout the countries transportation spots. Since the Olympics are on viewed on a worldwide stage, Russian authorities should and most likely will request assistance from the International Olympics committee with regards to security. Although the grounds inside the Olympic village will be the most secure area, the airports, train and bus stations should remain a priority. Intelligence efforts should be in high gear as well. According to Intelligence Quarterly, spectators wishing to attend the games will have to purchase a ticket online from the coordinators and obtain a "spectator pass" for access. In order to do this, people will be required to provide passport details and contacts that will allow the authorities to screen all visitors and check their identities upon arrival. The security zone created around Sochi stretches approximately 60 miles along the Black Sea coast and up to 25 miles inland. Police forces include special military troops to patrol the heavily forested mountains adjacent to the resort (Intelligence Quarterly, 2013). Additionally, military drones will be flown to keep continuous surveillance over Olympic facilities, as well as naval boast covering the coast.
Works Cited:
Intelligence Quarterly. Second blast in russia kills 14 a day after first attack . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.intelligencequarterly.com/2013/12/second-blast-in-russia-kills-14-a-day-after-first-attack/
Copeland, L. (n.d.). Suicide bombing in russia highlights olympics security. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/12/29/russia-train-station-explosion/4239187/
Englund, W. (n.d.). Bombing in russia shows security threat ahead of winter olympics. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/second-bombing-in-two-days-hits-volgograd-in-southern-russia-32-dead-in-the-two-attacks/2013/12/30/69ae1c1c-7140-11e3-8def-a33011492df2_story.html
Aljazeera America. (n.d.). Second deadly bombing in russian city of volgograd targets bus. Retrieved from http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/12/30/second-bomb-in-russiancityofvolgogradtargetsbus.html