Russia steps up special security at all transport hubs

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday ordered a special security regime across the country's transport hubs following a Moscow airport blast that killed at least 31 people.

"A blast went off at Domodedovo that, according to preliminary information, was an act of terror," Medvedev said in remarks that were televised after a blast tore through Moscow's busiest airport.

"It is necessary to introduce a special regime in all airports and transportation hubs," Medvedev told an emergency meeting of top transportation officials. The Russian president said the security measures would be imposed in cooperation with the country's Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's main successor to the Soviet-era KGB.

Security sources said the blast, which also injured more than 130 people, some of them seriously, was probably set off by a suicide bomber from the country's turbulent North Caucasus region.

In his first remarks on the blast, Medvedev said the incident showed that Russia's security laws were not being followed in full. "What happened indicates that far from all the laws that need to be working are being used correctly," said Medvedev.

The President has also delayed his departure for the World Economic Forum , the Kremlin said on Monday. Medvedev was due to fly to Switzerland on Tuesday to deliver the opening speech at the annual forum.

Medvedev has now instructed his government to provide emergency assistance to those who suffered in the blast.