In the wake of a series of explosions last week in Transnistria, a small, Russian separatist region of Moldova on the Ukrainian border, Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday issued an urgent warning to Israeli citizens in the area to leave immediately.

“In connection with the deterioration of the security situation in the region and due to the inability to provide any assistance to Israeli citizens there, Israelis should immediately leave the region,” the ministry stated.

Fears are high that Russia, which has about 1,500 troops stationed in Transnistria will use those forces to invade western Ukraine. Russian-backed government officials in Transnistria blamed the explosions on Ukraine – in another attempt at a Russian “false-flag” operation – contriving an attack as an excuse for invasion.

Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told reporters that Transnistria has issued an order that men of fighting age will not be allowed to leave the area and “this is an indication that danger of a military scenario still exists.” Transnistrian President Vadim Krasnoselsky vehemently denied Popescu’s claim, calling it a “ridiculous lie."