US embassy in Moscow urges Americans in Russia to avoid crowds due to 'threats of attacks' in urban areas

The United States embassy in Moscow warned Americans in Russia to avoid crowded places because of threats of attacks.

According to media sources, there have been threats of attacks against shopping centers, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas.

The security alert tells Americans to carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Russian visa.

The US has urged Americans to leave.

The threat of Russia invading Ukraine looms large as the security alert comes. The White House said that Russia could attack Ukraine at any time.