In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Moscow, the Crocus Hall now stands in ruins. The inability of some individuals to escape the combination of gunfire and the resulting fire has led to corpses being found throughout the building—in the bathrooms, stairwells, and corridors, some bodies tragically burned. The newly released video of the attack is heart-wrenching, while the images that emerged afterward paint an even more harrowing picture.
The terrorist incident on Friday night in Russia's capital has shocked the world. Marking the most significant digression in the country's relative security since the harrowing 2004 Beslan school siege, the attack left a staggering number of casualties, with hundreds still battling for their lives in hospitals. Governor Andrei Vorobyov visited the site the day following the attack, confronted with scenes of sheer devastation.
Eleven Individuals Including Four Attackers Captured
When Governor Vorobyov arrived at the Crocus Concert Hall, the scene was starkly transformed from its former glamour and lavishness to now a pile of ashes. Russian media have made claims about the attackers' affiliation with a foreign entity based on the languages heard during the attack. The incident has shaken Putin's government, coming at the start of his fifth term. By the next day, Russian police had reported the capture of all eleven people involved in the attack, including the four assailants.
The individuals were apprehended along the Ukraine-Belarus border while reportedly attempting to flee towards Ukrainian territory. The Federal Security Service (FSB) suggested that the attackers had connections within Ukraine, although Ukraine has vehemently denied any involvement, and ISIS Khorasan took responsibility soon after the assault.
No Mercy for the Guilty, Russia Sends a Stern Message
Two of the four captured terrorists confessed during interrogation that they were promised a sum of one million rubles – around $10,836 – for the attack information of which was communicated via Telegram. A Tajikistani passport was also found during a vehicle search. The Islamic State Khorasan has long opposed Putin's policies—and post-attack, Russia has made it very clear that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
The capital's famous concert hall attack has repercussions for the already tense Russia-Ukraine conflict. Following the incident, Ukraine declared a national air raid alert. Moscow's actions since the incident suggest an attempt to corner Ukraine, whereas Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Putin of casting blame elsewhere.
Insights into the Crocus City Concert Hall Attack
• On Friday night, at least four heavily armed gunmen opened fire in Crocus City on the outskirts of Moscow, leaving numerous fatalities.
• The venue was set to feature a performance by the rock band Piknik, expected to draw thousands. One member of the band is currently missing.
• Attackers used flamethrowers to ignite the building, causing a massive fire that tragically increased casualties.
• According to the governor, at least 115 deaths have been confirmed, with the fatality count feared to rise. 121 individuals are hospitalized.
• Early Saturday morning in the Bransk region near the Ukraine-Belarus border, following a chase, police apprehended four suspects who opened fire during the pursuit.
• During interrogation, two claimed they were each promised up to 1 million rubles ($10,836) to execute the attack, details of which were anonymously sent over Telegram.
• ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack, which US officials suggest is plausible based on recent intelligence, prompting an alert at the US Embassy on March 7th.
• Meanwhile, Russia's FSB claims the attackers had connections in Ukraine and were heading toward the border when they were captured. The Ukrainian government has denied any involvement.
Putin's Response
President Putin condemned the attack at a Moscow concert hall on Friday night and declared a national day of mourning. In his speech, he assured that doctors would do everything possible to save the lives of Crocus City Hall's terrorist attack victims. Putin vowed that those behind the attack would not be spared and claimed that the gunmen attempted to flee to Ukraine.
Ukraine's Statement
Ukraine has also responded to the Moscow attack. Senior counselor to President Zelensky, Mikhailo Podolyak, stated, 'We wish to clarify that Ukraine had no involvement with these attacks. There is a full-scale, comprehensive war with Russian military forces, and Ukraine will continue to fight on the battlefield regardless.'
ISIS Claims Responsibility
It should be noted that the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) took responsibility for the shooting and explosion at Moscow's Crocus Concert Hall on Friday. The dreadful terrorist attack resulted in over 140 deaths and 145 injuries. ISIS stated via their Telegram channel, 'Our fighters attacked the Crocus Concert Hall in the outskirts of Moscow's capital.' ISIS also claimed that the attackers 'have safely returned to their bases.'
