The death toll from a devastating attack at a concert venue near Moscow has risen to 115, making it one of the deadliest incidents in Russia in recent years. Russia’s Investigative Committee reported that gunmen armed with automatic weapons stormed the popular venue and set it ablaze.
Additional bodies were discovered within the concert hall early Saturday, suggesting the likelihood of further casualties. Of the 107 victims currently hospitalized, 16 are in critical condition, with an additional 44 classified as serious.
Russia’s Federal Security Service has confirmed the apprehension of all four assailants responsible for the assault at the Crocus City Hall concert venue, along with seven others. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, marking a significant escalation of terrorism within Russia.
The concert hall, located in Krasnogorsk, was consumed by flames, engulfing approximately 140,000 square feet of the venue. Preliminary investigations by the Investigative Committee attribute the causes of death primarily to gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack are ongoing.
In response to the attack, Russian President Putin had a phone conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, emphasizing their joint commitment to combating terrorism. This comes after a public advisory issued by the United States government on March 7, warning of a potential terrorist attack targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.
In the aftermath of the assault, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, promptly disavowed any connection to the incident, emphasizing that Ukraine is not involved in such acts.
Verified videos capture the harrowing moments of the attack, showing the gunmen in camouflage entering the hall and opening fire, as well as scenes of chaos and casualties amidst thick smoke within the concert venue.
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