In a tragic and heart-wrenching incident, the death toll from a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall, on the outskirts of Moscow, has risen to 133. The attack took place on March 22, believed to have been carried out by a group of four gunmen who opened fire on concert-goers, including children, and set the venue ablaze using incendiary devices. The attack occurred just hours before a performance by a Russian rock band, Picnic.
This is now the deadliest terrorist attack in Russia since 2004 and the worst attack ever reported in the country’s capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that all four gunmen have been arrested and that they were planning to flee to Ukraine after the attack, although there is no evidence to support this claim. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on Telegram, citing a war between themselves and the countries that fight Islam. US intelligence has confirmed that the Islamic State did indeed carry out the attack.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry has dismissed Putin’s claim, accusing Russian officials of stirring up anti-Ukrainian sentiments and fueling mobilization of Russian citizens against Ukraine. Putin has also declared a day of mourning to be observed on Sunday, March 24. Of the 145 people injured in the attack, 16 are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving medical attention.
This terrorist attack has left the country and the world in a state of shock and disbelief, and people have come forward to condemn the attack and offer their sympathies and condolences to the victims’ families. The British foreign secretary David Cameron has denounced the attack in the strongest possible terms, stating that the UK stands in solidarity with Russia and supports them in the struggle against terrorism
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