In a significant development, Tajikistan's state security service has detained nine individuals over suspected contact with the perpetrators of the horrific attack on a concert hall outside of Moscow last week, which claimed the lives of 144 people. The arrests were reported exactly one week after the tragic event took place at the Crocus City Hall.

According to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the detainees are residents of the Vakhdat district, located east of Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe. The report suggests that they have suspected connections with the Islamic State group, which had claimed responsibility for the attack. The four assailants involved in the incident were previously arrested and identified as Tajik nationals.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities have also made progress in their investigation. So far, a total of nine suspects have appeared in court and have been remanded in pre-trial detention. The Investigative Committee in Russia has stated that it has verified information regarding the financial support received by the attackers, alleging that significant amounts of money and cryptocurrency were provided from Ukraine. However, Ukraine has vehemently denied any involvement, asserting that Moscow is using this allegation as a pretext to escalate the conflict in Ukraine.

The death toll from the tragic concert hall incident has tragically risen to 144, with an additional victim succumbing to severe injuries in a hospital on Friday, as confirmed by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.

This attack stands as the deadliest on Russian soil in years, and the repercussions are expected to continue unfolding as investigations progress and international tensions remain high. The exact nature of the connections between the attackers and the detainees in Tajikistan, as well as the allegations surrounding financial support, will likely play a crucial role in determining the motives and additional parties involved in this tragic event.