The coordinated attacks on the Moscow Metro involved two suicide bombers who targeted stations during the peak morning rush hour, causing chaos and destruction. The first explosion occurred at the Lubyanka station, which is located near the headquarters of the FSB, the successor to the KGB. Just minutes later, a second bomb detonated at Park Kultury station. Both locations were crowded with commuters, exacerbating the casualty numbers and panic. Emergency services quickly mobilized, and the entire Metro system was shut down to prevent further attacks.

In the aftermath, the bombings were attributed to militants from the North Caucasus region, particularly those linked to Chechen rebel groups. Security officials stated that the attack was likely retaliation against Russian authorities for operations in Chechnya and Dagestan. The bombers, identified as Amina Okueva and her accomplice, were believed to be motivated by extremist ideologies and sought to instill fear in the Russian populace. Investigations revealed a broader network of support for these militants, raising concerns about domestic security and the effectiveness of anti-terror measures in urban areas.

The Russian government responded with increased security measures across the country, particularly in crowded public spaces and transportation systems. This incident marked a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the Caucasus region and the threat posed by radical groups. Public sentiments were mixed; while there was a sense of fear, there was also a determination to maintain daily life and resist terror.