The Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) has declared responsibility for Friday's shooting and bombing at Moscow's Crocus Concert Hall. The horrific attack claimed the lives of at least 60 individuals and left 145 injured. ISIS announced on their Telegram channel, 'Our fighters attacked the concert hall located in the outskirts of Moscow's capital.'
Russian media has published harrowing images of the perpetrators. Eyewitness reports from local media suggest the attackers resembled 'Asians and Caucasians' and conversed in a foreign language, not Russian. It is claimed that they are natives of Ingushetia. Dressed in military uniforms, they entered the building, opened fire at anything in sight, and then set off an explosion, igniting the concert hall.
At the time of the attack, 6,200 people were inside the Crocus City Hall, enjoying a performance by the Soviet-era famous music band 'Picnic.' The Russian authorities have stated that an investigation is underway, keeping President Vladimir Putin promptly updated. The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned this terrorist act and has called on the international community to condemn this heinous crime. This act of terror comes at a time when Vladimir Putin has recently secured a significant victory in the presidential elections and is preparing for his fifth consecutive term as President of Russia. Meanwhile, Russia has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Ukraine for the past two years.
National Security Advisor John Kirby of the United States remarked on the Moscow concert hall terrorist attack, 'I cannot say much about it... we are attempting to gather more information. The images are quite horrific and difficult to behold. Our hearts go out to the victims of this dreadful shooting. Our embassy in Moscow has issued an advisory to Americans, advising against attending large gatherings, music concerts, and shopping malls. At this time, there is no indication that Ukraine or Ukrainians were involved in the shooting.'
Ukraine has also responded to the Moscow terrorist attack. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated, 'We want to make it clear that Ukraine has no involvement with this attack. We are engaged in a full-scale, multi-faceted war with Russia's military and as a nation of the Russian Federation. Regardless, Ukraine will continue its fight on the battlefield.'
Russia questioned the United States' prompt exoneration of Ukraine following the attack. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, 'On what basis are officials in Washington concluding someone's innocence amidst this tragedy? If the United States has or had any credible information regarding this matter, it should be immediately transferred to the Russian side. If no such information exists, then the White House has no right to exonerate anyone. Russia will ascertain who is behind this attack.'
