Over 60 people have been killed in Moscow, with 145 more sustaining injuries, marking Russia’s most devastating terrorist incident in recent years.
The attack unfolded on Friday night as armed assailants, clad in military attire, unleashed gunfire and explosives within a prominent concert venue situated on the outskirts of Moscow.
According to statements from Russia’s Investigative Committee relayed by state news agency Ria, the death toll may rise, and details regarding the attackers’ fate remain uncertain.
Among the deceased were three children, as reported by the regional healthcare ministry, contradicting earlier estimates which indicated five child victims and around 60 people in critical condition.
On Friday, the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack through a Telegram post, asserting that their gunmen had successfully evaded capture following the onslaught.
The group declared that their fighters had struck on the outskirts of Moscow, “killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely,” although specific details were not provided.
Distressing images emerged depicting Crocus City Hall engulfed in flames, while videos captured scenes of panic as four gunmen open fire with automatic weapons, prompting concert attendees to flee in panic.
Another Footage depicted the attackers detonating explosives during the assault, causing chaos and devastation within the concert hall.
As night fell, Russian authorities initiated an extensive manhunt for the attackers, urging vigilance among Moscow residents and suburban dwellers.
Despite these efforts, the suspects remained unidentified, prompting heightened security measures and widespread concern throughout the region.
Witness testimonies portrayed harrowing scenes of people seeking refuge amidst the chaos, with some resorting to pleading for help from the venue’s rooftop as the fire raged below.
Others recounted the terror of witnessing gunfire and the ensuing stampede as panicked concertgoers attempted to flee to safety.
President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the injured and affirming ongoing updates from security officials.
Images released by Russian investigators depicted weaponry and ammunition allegedly used by the assailants, while reports indicated the deployment of riot police and special forces units to the scene.
In response to the tragedy, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the cancellation of all public gatherings and events in Moscow, underscoring heightened security measures across various sectors.
The US had intelligence confirming Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the shooting, a US official said, adding that Washington had warned Moscow in recent weeks of the possibility of an attack.
“We did warn the Russians appropriately,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, without providing any additional details.
Russian media reports said riot police units were sent to the area as people were being evacuated and Speznaz units of the Russian national guard began storming the building later on Friday evening.
Russia tightened security at airports, transport hubs and across the capital – a vast urban area of over 21 million people. All large-scale public events were cancelled across the country.
International condemnation followed swiftly, with the United Nations Security Council denouncing the attack as “heinous and cowardly.”
The British embassy in Moscow condemned Friday’s attack. “We condemn the terrorist attack at the Moscow region’s Crocus City Hall.
It’s a horrible tragedy. We offer sincere condolences to the relatives and loved ones of those hurt and killed in today’s events,” the embassy said in a statement on its Telegram channel.
The White House emphasized solidarity with Russia and dismissing any suggestion of Ukrainian involvement.
“Images of the attack were just horrible and just hard to watch,” the White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.
Meanwhile, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, decried the incident as a “nightmare,” urging accountability for those responsible.
This Moscow attack is Russia’s deadliest since the 2004 Beslan school siege, in which 334 people, including 186 children, were killed after being held captive by militants for two days.
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