The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on a concert hall near Moscow, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 133 lives. This incident stands as one of the deadliest in Russia in recent memory.
Despite the United States’ claims regarding evidence implicating the jihadists, both Moscow and Kyiv found themselves embroiled in a tense exchange of accusations on Saturday. This unfolding drama occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where geopolitical tensions continue to escalate .
The video emerged on a Telegram account, allegedly connected to Amaq, the news outlet affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), according to the SITE monitoring group.
⚠️ Attention: A disturbing video reportedly from an #ISIS operative’s bodycam depicting the #Moscow tragedy has been released, showing violent acts against civilians.
We advise caution as the content is graphic and may be upsetting for sensitive viewers. #Russia pic.twitter.com/MtEbUS4Rqi
— GAROWE ONLINE (@GaroweOnline) March 23, 2024
According to AFP, the footage, lasting ninety seconds, portrays several individuals with obscured faces and distorted voices, brandishing assault rifles and knives. The setting appears to be the lobby of the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, situated northwest of Moscow.
In a harrowing scene, the assailants unleash a barrage of gunfire, while lifeless bodies lie strewn across the area.
According to the Associated Press (AP), in their statement on Saturday, they asserted that the attack occurred within the “natural framework” of the ongoing war between the extremist group and the countries they accuse of opposing Islam.
In 2014, the Islamic State (IS), an offshoot of al-Qaida, seized substantial territories in Iraq and Syria. Their reign was marked by brutality, particularly against the Yazidis, a religious minority inhabiting northern Iraq.
The Yazidis faced persecution, violence, and displacement as part of the IS group’s genocidal campaign. Other communities also suffered during this dark period, enduring unimaginable hardships at the hands of the extremist group.
By 2018, a U.S.-led coalition had largely neutralized the Islamic State (IS) on the battlefield. However, remnants of the group continue to exist in isolated desert hideouts within both Iraq and Syria. These remote locations serve as their last bastions, where they attempt to regroup and evade capture.
Furthermore, IS affiliates operate in other parts of the world, extending their reach beyond the Middle East. Notably, they maintain a presence in regions such as Afghanistan, West Africa, and the Far East. Their activities in these areas pose ongoing security challenges for local and international forces.
On March 7, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert to American citizens, cautioning them about imminent threats posed by extremist elements within Russia. According to reports, these extremists had plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, dismissed the U.S. warning as an effort to intimidate the Russian population. According to him, such alerts were designed to create fear and unease among the citizens. The geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia continue to shape the narrative, leaving many on edge.
As per CNN, citing Russian state media TASS, the Russia Investigative Committee has confirmed that all four individuals suspected of perpetrating the terrorist attack have been apprehended. They are currently undergoing interrogation in Moscow .
Crocus City Hall, teeming with a crowd nearing its maximum capacity of 7,500 attendees, became the grim stage for an indiscriminate attack. Five armed assailants, fueled by a malevolent intent, unleashed a barrage of gunfire and explosives.
The chaos erupted just moments before a music band was poised to take the stage, plunging the audience into a state of widespread panic.
TASS reports that in response to the tragic events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared March 24 as a day of national mourning. He has also vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice.
“Our people, our children, just like the Nazis that once killed our people during the war. They do the same. All the orchestrators, all those who are responsible for this crime will inevitably be found responsible, they will pay. We will identify everyone who stands behind these terrorists and they will pay. This is a strike against Russia,” Putin said.
In a televised address to the people of Russia, President Vladimir Putin solemnly declared, “I hereby proclaim March 24 as a day of national mourning.”
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