MOSCOW. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday that authorities have apprehended four individuals suspected of participating in the devastating attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall, which resulted in the deaths of at least 133 people. President Putin stated during a national address that the suspects were believed to have been attempting to flee to Ukraine. However, Kyiv has vehemently denied any connection to the assault on the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, for which the Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility via social media channels linked to the organization.
Despite the denial from Kyiv, President Putin asserted that the suspects were captured while trying to escape to Ukraine through a prepared route on the Ukrainian side of the border. He condemned the attack as a “bloody, barbaric terrorist act” and declared a day of mourning to honor the victims. Russian authorities have heightened security measures nationwide in response to the incident.
The death toll from the attack is expected to rise as investigators continue to search through the charred remains of the concert hall. The venue, which could accommodate over 6,000 people, was left in ruins following the assault, which involved gunmen firing upon civilians and reportedly hurling explosive devices. Videos circulated online depicting the harrowing scenes of the attack, as emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and aid the injured.
The Islamic State’s Afghanistan affiliate claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as targeting a gathering of “Christians.” This claim was supported by U.S. intelligence agencies, which had previously obtained information indicating plans for an attack in Moscow by the IS branch. However, despite the evidence, Ukrainian officials reiterated their denial of involvement in the assault, accusing Russia of using the incident to advance its war efforts.
Messages of condemnation and solidarity have poured in from around the world, with the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemning the attack as a cowardly act of terrorism. President Putin, who recently secured another term in office following a contentious election, had dismissed prior warnings of a potential attack as attempts to destabilize Russian society. Nonetheless, the tragic events at the concert hall underscore the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
