2024-03-23 11:54:52
More than 115 people lost their lives and many others were injured in an armed attack on Friday evening at a concert hall in Krasnogorsk on the outskirts of Moscow. The attack, marked by a massive fire, was claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). Russian authorities are actively searching for the attackers. The number of victims could increase.
The attack, part of a series of assaults previously directed against Russia by IS, took place in an atmosphere of chaos. According to official sources, the terrorists targeted a large gathering in the Moscow suburbs, before retreating to safety. The spokesperson for Russian diplomacy, Maria Zakharova, described the event as a “bloody terrorist attack” and a “monstrous crime”, while Ukraine rejected any involvement, pointing the finger at possible action by the Russian secret services. .
Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported that 115 people, including five children, were hospitalized, highlighting the seriousness of the condition of sixty adults and one minor. The assault took place at Crocus City Hall, a concert hall located in Krasnogorsk, northwest of Moscow. Journalists present on site reported a major fire, a strong police presence and very important rescue services.
The governor of the Moscow region, Andrei Vorobiov, spoke to inform that the fire had been almost completely contained, allowing rescuers to access the auditorium, whose roof had collapsed. Clearing operations, requiring the intervention of nearly 500 rescuers, are expected to continue throughout the day.
The details of the attack are chilling. A music producer at the scene described hearing machine gun bursts and terrifying screams, reflecting the panic among spectators trying to flee. Witnesses saw individuals in camouflage clothing open fire in the concert hall, throwing what appeared to be grenades or incendiary bombs, causing the fire which devastated nearly 13,000 m² of the building.
President Vladimir Putin, informed of the attack from the first moments, wished the victims a speedy recovery and thanked those involved.
The attack sparked an international shockwave, with reactions of solidarity from the White House, the EU, Spain, French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and others. Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his “condolences” to Vladimir Putin on Saturday, assuring that China “firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to maintain security and stability” in Russia.
An adviser to the Ukrainian presidency, Mykhaïlo Podoliak, affirmed that Ukraine, which had been facing a Russian military offensive for two years, “had absolutely nothing to do” with the shooting.
A unit of Russian anti-Kremlin fighters behind several armed incursions on the Russian border in recent months, the Russian Freedom Legion, has also denied any involvement.
The US Embassy in Russia warned its citizens two weeks ago that it was “closely monitoring reports that extremists planned to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.”
In response to the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin canceled all public events planned for the weekend, a move followed by several other regions in a show of solidarity. Tightened security measures have been put in place across Russia, particularly at airports and other major cities.
The attack took place during a concert by Russian rock band Piknik, adding a layer of cultural tragedy to the event.
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