Russia is currently observing a day of national mourning on Sunday following a horrific massacre at a concert hall in Moscow, which was claimed by the extremist group Islamic State (IS). On Friday evening, attackers stormed into Crocus City Hall and opened fire with automatic weapons on the crowd before starting a fire with a flammable liquid. According to investigators, 133 people lost their lives in this senseless act of violence.
In response to the attack, posters featuring a candle on a black background with the message “We are in mourning 03/22/2024” were displayed on billboards and bus stops across Moscow. President Vladimir Putin condemned the “barbaric terrorist” act in an address on Saturday and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. He announced that four perpetrators had been arrested while attempting to flee towards Ukraine.
The Russian government reported that a total of 11 suspects had been apprehended, including the four terrorists involved in the attack. These suspects, described as “foreign citizens”, were captured in the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian and Belarusian borders. Search and rescue efforts at the concert hall continue as authorities use heavy equipment to dismantle damaged structures and remove debris.
A video purportedly filmed by the attackers at the concert hall was shared on social media accounts linked to ISIS. The video shows armed individuals firing weapons and setting fires in the lobby of Crocus City Hall. The suspects had planned to flee to Ukraine, prompting tensions between Russia and Ukraine amid this tragedy.
The international community has expressed concern over potential escalation of violence in the region following this tragic event. Investigations into the motives and connections of those responsible for the attack are ongoing as Russia mourns its losses in this senseless act of violence.
