In a shocking turn of events, Russia has been rocked by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 143 people in a concert hall near Moscow. The attack, considered the deadliest in Russia in 20 years, has sent shockwaves through the country and garnered international condemnation.
Russian authorities have swiftly responded to the attack, detaining 11 suspects, including all four gunmen directly involved in carrying out the heinous act. The arrests came after a dramatic “car chase” in Russia’s Bryansk region, highlighting the swift action taken by law enforcement in apprehending the perpetrators.
According to the Russian security agency, the attackers had contacts in Ukraine and were attempting to flee across the Russian-Ukrainian border after the attack. This revelation has raised concerns about cross-border terrorism and the intricate networks that support such acts of violence.
However, Ukraine’s presidency has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack, labeling it as a Russian “provocation.” Ukrainian military intelligence has even accused Moscow’s special services of orchestrating the incident, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its fighters targeted “a large gathering” on Moscow’s outskirts before retreating safely to their bases. This claim has raised alarms about the continued threat of terrorism and the global reach of extremist groups.
The harrowing details of the attack reveal a scene of chaos and terror as gunmen dressed in camouflage uniforms stormed the concert hall, unleashing gunfire and throwing grenades or incendiary bombs. Videos from the scene depict flames and smoke billowing from the building as concertgoers scrambled to find safety.
International condemnation has poured in, with the European Union, France, Spain, Italy, and the United States condemning the attack in the strongest terms. The US embassy had previously issued a warning about the risk of extremists targeting mass gatherings in Moscow, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by major cities worldwide.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, while also thanking the medical personnel for their efforts in treating the injured. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condemned the attack, offering solidarity with Russia during this difficult time.
Sources By Agencies
