Four gunmen have been arrested in connection to an attack at Crocus City Hall near Moscow, resulting in over 140 deaths, with ISIS claiming responsibility amid international condemnation and rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Russian authorities have arrested four gunmen in connection to a devastating attack at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue near Moscow, which resulted in the death of at least 143 people and injured 145, with 16 in critical condition. The attack, which occurred amidst scenes of chaos, saw assailants use firearms and flammable liquids to target concertgoers, making it the deadliest in the country since the 2004 Beslan school siege. Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the atrocity, though Russian officials have suggested possible links to Ukraine, a claim Kyiv strongly denies.
The assailants, reported to be wearing camouflage, induced panic among the audience as they mistook initial gunfire for part of the show, leading to a deadly stampede. Among the deceased were three children. Evidence collected from the scene, including weapons and passports from Tajikistan, led to the detention of the suspects. Two were apprehended following a car chase in the Bryansk region, southwest of Moscow.
International reactions have been swift, with condemnation from the United Nations Security Council and UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron. Russian President Vladimir Putin, while not commenting directly on the attack, has emphasized collaboration with Belarus to combat terrorism.
In a separate incident, Russian military faced setbacks as the trawler “Kapitan Lobanov” sank during a training exercise after being struck by a missile, resulting in three crew deaths and several injuries. This event underscores ongoing challenges within Russian military operations.
Amidst these events, tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated further, with Russia launching a significant attack on Ukraine’s power grid, causing wide-scale damage and disruptions. The international community remains alert to the situation’s evolving dynamics as the conflict continues to unfold, underscoring the complexities of geopolitical tensions in the region.
