On Saturday, March 23rd , Russia announced the apprehension of 11 individuals, including four armed assailants, in connection to the assault on a Moscow concert hall, which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for. The death toll from the incident has now reached 115.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet addressed the attack publicly, and the Russian government has not officially acknowledged the Islamic State’s claim. Speculation about a potential Ukraine link has arisen among some lawmakers.
The attack occurred at Crocus City Hall in Moscow’s Krasnogorsk suburb on Friday evening during a concert by the band Piknik, marking the deadliest incident in Russia in at least ten years.
According to Russia’s FSB security service, some of the attackers fled toward the Russia-Ukraine border, suggesting they had connections in the region, though specific details were not provided.
While some Russian officials insinuated Ukrainian involvement without evidence, Ukrainian authorities denied any connection to the attack.
President Putin has been briefed on the arrests by the head of the FSB security service, though he has not made any public statements. The Kremlin assured that Putin is being continuously updated, and a government official stated that Putin expressed well wishes for the victims’ speedy recovery.
Rescue efforts are ongoing at the venue, with the death toll expected to rise as more bodies are recovered. Investigations revealed that victims succumbed to both gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its fighters targeted a large gathering on the outskirts of Moscow. However, Russian authorities have yet to officially confirm this claim.
Over 100 individuals remain hospitalized, and there are reports suggesting some of the suspects may be from Tajikistan, though Tajikistan’s foreign ministry has not received official confirmation.
In solidarity, Moscow residents queued in the rain to donate blood, and memorial posters replaced advertisements at bus stops. Major events have been canceled nationwide, and world leaders have issued condemnations.
Questions have also emerged regarding Russia’s intelligence services following the attack, especially after recent warnings from Western nations about potential threats in Moscow.
SOURCE
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/03/23/russia-announces-11-arrests-after-moscow-concert-hall-terror-attack/