Moscow Concert Hall Attack: Russian President Vows to Punish Perpetrators
ICARO Media Group
In a tragic turn of events, a deadly attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow has claimed the lives of 133 people, making it the deadliest terror attack on Russian soil in decades. Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to punish those responsible for the barbaric act. The attack comes just days after Putin secured victory in a highly orchestrated election, further solidifying his grip on power.
The terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the incident, a claim which has been supported by a US official. This development has prompted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call for global cooperation against ISIS, labeling them as a serious threat to the world.
President Putin, in a video statement, expressed his deep condolences and declared Sunday as a national day of mourning. He linked the brutal attack to Ukraine, suggesting that the perpetrators had attempted to flee towards the Ukrainian border. However, Ukraine has strongly denied any connection to the attack and warned against using it as an excuse for further aggression.
The Russian Investigative Committee has announced that four main suspects in the attack have been apprehended near the border with Ukraine. The committee stated that a total of 11 individuals have been detained, and further investigations are ongoing to identify any accomplices or facilitators involved.
Putin emphasized that all those responsible for the atrocity, including the organizers and instigators, will face fair and inevitable punishment. Reports from Russian state media suggest that all of the detainees are foreign citizens. One alleged attacker reportedly confessed to being promised monetary compensation to carry out the attack.
Accounts from survivors on social media have described the horrifying scenes during the attack. Witnesses spoke of playing dead to escape the hail of gunfire and explosions. The attackers were reported to have opened fire with automatic weapons and thrown a grenade or incendiary bomb, leading to a fire in the concert hall.
Video footage captured the panic and chaos as the attack unfolded, with people desperately seeking shelter and breaking windows to escape. Testimonies from survivors recount the terrifying moments of running for their lives and the tragic loss of those around them.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 70 ambulance teams and doctors assisting the victims. The Crocus City Hall complex, which houses a music hall and shopping center, suffered damage, with the roof partially collapsing. The Russian Emergencies Ministries continue to work at the scene, particularly in the auditorium where the ceiling was affected.
As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, the focus now turns to the investigation and the pursuit of justice. The international community stands united in condemnation of the attack, emphasizing the need for collective efforts against terrorist organizations like ISIS.