Russia bombings

MOSCOW, April 1 (UPI) -- The leader of a Chechen militant movement said he sent "black widow" suicide bombers to targets in Russia and additional attacks were planned.

Two female bombers set off devices Monday in Moscow's subway system, killing about 40 people and injuries scores of others.

Doku Umarov posted a video on a Chechen separatist Web site claiming he personally ordered the attacks and that "they will not be the last."

Russian officials said they believe the same group was behind two bombings Wednesday that killed 10 people in Dagestan although Umarov's message apparently didn't mention that assault.

Umarov said the Moscow attack was aimed at the Russian Federal Security Service, known by the initials FSB. One of the blasts was in the subway near FSB headquarters. The explosions in Dagestan were also near FSB offices and most of the victims were police officers.

Umarov said the suicide bombings were retaliation for a government security operation in Chechnya in February.

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev traveled to Dagestan Thursday to discuss security arrangements. He and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have issued harsh statement against the violence.

RIA Novosti quoted Medvedev as saying: "The range of anti-terrorism measures must be expanded. They should be not only more effective but also more harsh, merciless and preventive. We must punish (the militants)."