The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the harrowing terrorist attack that took place at a Moscow concert hall on Friday (Mar 22) and resulted in the death of at least 60 people. A statement released by the group on Telegram read as below:
“Islamic State fighters attacked a large gathering of Christians in the city of Krasnogorsk on the outskirts of the Russian capital, Moscow, killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely.”
Russia’s Investigative Committee said Saturday (Mar 23) it was too early to comment on the fate of the attackers. Russia’s Tass state news agency is reporting that President Vladimir Putin has wished all those injured a speedy recovery and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors.
The US intelligence has confirmed the IS’s claim, which had warned about a terror attack inside Russia in recent weeks.
The attack on Crocus City Hall, which left more than 145 wounded, is one of the worst attacks on Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege when terrorists took more than 1,000 people hostage.
UN condemns attack
The UN secretary-general has condemned the attack in ‘strongest possible terms’.
“The secretary general conveys his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the government of the Russian Federation. He wishes those injured a speedy recovery,” read a statement released by a spokesperson of António Guterres.
What happened on Friday?
Gunmen opened fire on a rock concert in a northern Moscow suburb, setting off an inferno in the theatre. An unspecified number of attackers entered the building in camouflage uniforms, opened fire and threw grenades and incendiary bombs.
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Russia has now launched a “terrorist” investigation into the case and President Putin is receiving “constant updates”, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Area cleared now
A Russian lawmaker on Telegram informed that the Russian National Guard have completed the inspection of the parking lots around Crocus City Hall and found no explosives.
Lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein added that members of the National Guard are continuing their checks of the surrounding area.
People describe chaotic scenes
People said they heard “several machine gun bursts” and “a lot of screams” as the attack unfolded.
“I realised right away that it was automatic gunfire and understood that most likely it’s the worst: a terrorist attack,” a music producer of the concert was quoted as saying by AFP.
Another witness was quoted by Reuters as saying that a stampede began as soon as the gunfire started. “A stampede began. Everyone ran to the escalator,” the witness said. “Everyone was screaming, everyone was running,” they said.
(With inputs from agencies)
