In a harrowing act of violence, Crocus City Hall, a renowned concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow, became the scene of a brutal terrorist attack.
The incident occurred just as the popular rock band “Picnic” was preparing to perform to a sold-out crowd.
According to Russia’s prosecutor general, at least four individuals clad in camouflage stormed the venue, unleashing chaos and fear.
The aftermath is grim. More than 60 lives have been claimed, with over 100 individuals sustaining injuries.
The terror group ISIS has purportedly taken responsibility for the attack through its affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram, yet no evidence has been provided to substantiate this claim.
As flames engulfed the concert hall, emergency responders sprang into action, evacuating approximately 100 people from the basement and initiating rescue operations for those trapped on the roof.
The Russian Investigative Committee is treating the incident as a terrorist act and has confirmed that the death toll has risen to at least 133, with the possibility of further casualties as the search through the rubble continues.
In response to this atrocity, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, condemning the attack as a “barbaric act of terrorism” and expressing his determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Amidst the turmoil, President Putin has also levelled accusations against Ukraine, suggesting the neighbouring country had plans to aid the suspects’ escape, a claim that Kyiv has vehemently denied.
The swift action of Russian authorities led to the arrest of 11 individuals, including the four gunmen believed to be responsible for the attack.
The head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported these developments directly to President Putin.
This tragedy has not only shaken Russia but has also caught the attention of the international community.
U.S. officials, having previously gathered intelligence on potential ISIS activities in Russia, had issued warnings against attending large gatherings.