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At least 115 individuals lost their lives and over 140 sustained injuries during an assault by gunmen at a crowded concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow.
The incident was accompanied by a massive fire that consumed the roof of the complex, with distressing footage capturing concert attendees seeking shelter amidst the chaos of gunshots and explosions.
Among the 11 individuals taken into custody, four are directly linked to the attack on the Moscow concert hall, as confirmed by Russia’s security chief to President Putin. Muscovites have been lining up to donate blood for the wounded, while floral tributes have been laid at the site of the tragic event.
The United States has acknowledged the possibility of the Islamic State group’s involvement in the attack, following the group’s claim of responsibility, although Russia has refrained from making any official statements.
According to Russia’s security service, the detained suspects had intentions of crossing the border into Ukraine, a claim dismissed as “absurd” by Kyiv.
The governor of the Moscow region has shared distressing footage from inside the charred remains of the Crocus Concert Hall, revealing the extensive damage caused by the fire during the previous night’s attack.
In the video, Andrei Vorobyov is seen meeting with emergency service personnel at the devastated music venue, disclosing the discovery of 20 additional bodies beneath the debris.
He also warns of the imminent risk of the ceiling collapsing. The governor has announced that rescue operations will persist for “several days,” with teams working tirelessly around the clock.
Who is the culprit?
A few Russian officials have insinuated, without substantiation, that Ukraine might have been implicated in the assault on the Crocus City complex near Moscow on Friday.
In response to the news that the four men suspected of carrying out the attack were captured near the border between Russia and Ukraine, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on Telegram: “Now we know which country these violent criminals intended to seek refuge in – Ukraine.”
Andrey Kartapolov, the head of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, informed the state news agency RIA Novosti that “Ukraine and its supporters are the primary instigators of the terrorist incident at Crocus,” emphasizing that “if the Ukrainian involvement in the terrorist attack is verified, there must be a decisive response on the battlefield.”
Various Ukrainian authorities have vehemently refuted any links to the attack.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry declared on Friday: “We view such allegations as a premeditated ploy by the Kremlin to escalate anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Russian society, create conditions for the heightened mobilization of Russian citizens to engage in criminal aggression against our nation, and tarnish Ukraine’s reputation in the eyes of the global community.”
Ukrainian Defense Intelligence claimed on Friday – without presenting evidence – that the assault was orchestrated by Russian special services to rationalize intensified assaults on Ukraine.
ISIS claims responsibility
ISIS has claimed responsibility for an assault at a popular concert venue complex near Moscow, resulting in the deaths of at least 115 individuals and numerous injuries as attackers entered the venue armed with guns and incendiary devices.
The Kremlin has confirmed that all four suspects directly involved in the attack have been apprehended while attempting to cross the border into Ukraine, along with several accomplices.
According to state-run RIA Novosti, the armed assailants initiated the attack by opening fire with automatic weapons and detonating a grenade or incendiary bomb, leading to a fire.
Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia issued a statement indicating that they are closely monitoring reports of extremists planning to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.
Condemnation
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his strong condemnation of the “horrific terrorist attack on innocent concertgoers in Moscow” in a statement released on Saturday.
Scholz also extended his thoughts and condolences to the families of the victims and all those who were injured.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed these sentiments, stating that she mourned with the families of the concertgoers who were “brutally murdered.”
Baerbock emphasized that terrorism, regardless of its location, should be condemned and expressed sympathy towards the people of Russia.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow, emphasizing that the United Kingdom strongly denounced the violence.
Cameron offered heartfelt condolences and expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims, emphasizing that such acts of violence could never be justified.
Pakistan also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Russia, offering their deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) denounced the terrorist attack near Moscow and sent a message of condolences and sympathy to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
MBS expressed his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to President Putin and the Russian people, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Russian people, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of such acts of violence.
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