Moscow Concert Hall Attack: 133 Casualties Recorded, ISIS Claims Responsibility

Moscow Concert Hall Attack: In a shocking turn of events, Russian authorities have apprehended four suspects believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting at a concert hall in Moscow, resulting in the deaths of 133 individuals and leaving at least 107 others critically wounded. The terrorist group ISIS has asserted responsibility for this heinous act.

Despite Ukrainian officials adamantly denying any involvement from their war-torn nation, Russian authorities maintain that the attackers received assistance from Ukraine. Initial reports suggested 143 casualties, but after more than 24 hours of search operations, the count was revised to 133 fatalities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the arrest of 11 individuals, including the four gunmen, who allegedly attempted to flee towards Ukraine. According to Putin, preliminary findings indicate that the suspects had assistance awaiting them on the Ukrainian side of the border.

Russia’s FSB security service revealed that the assailants had ties to individuals in Ukraine and were captured near the border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned Putin’s attempts to shift blame, labeling it as typical behavior from Putin and “other thugs.”

Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov reiterated his country’s innocence, emphasizing their focus on defending against Russian aggression rather than targeting civilians.

In a stern address, Putin vowed to apprehend and punish all those responsible for orchestrating this devastating attack, describing it as an assault against Russia and its people.

The United States’ White House confirmed sharing intelligence with Russia regarding a planned attack in Moscow, categorically denying any Ukrainian involvement. Meanwhile, horrifying details emerged of victims succumbing to gunshot wounds and others perishing in a massive fire ignited by the attackers using petrol.

Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein disclosed that the assailants attempted to flee in a Renault vehicle but were intercepted by police in the Bryansk region. Among the items found in the vehicle were a pistol, an assault rifle magazine, and passports from Tajikistan.

A video released by TV editor Simonyan depicted one of the suspects being aggressively interrogated, claiming he had flown from Turkey on March 4 and received instructions via Telegram to execute the attack in exchange for money.

While ISIS boasted of the attack, claiming their fighters withdrew safely after causing widespread destruction, the Biden administration condemned the act, emphasizing the need to combat ISIS globally.

“The United States strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow,” stated White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “ISIS is a common terrorist enemy that must be defeated everywhere.”

Also Read: Deadly Terror Attack At Moscow Concert Hall: Putin Declares National Day of Mourning