Terror Strikes Moscow: ISIS Claims Responsibility For Concert Hall Attack

ISIS has asserted responsibility for a harrowing assault at a popular concert hall complex near Moscow, where assailants wielding guns and incendiary devices wreaked havoc, resulting in a death toll of at least 60 and leaving 145 injured.

The terror group made its claim through a brief statement disseminated by the ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate the assertion.

Video footage captured from the Crocus City Hall depicted the sprawling complex, housing both a music hall and a shopping center, engulfed in flames with smoke swirling into the sky. According to the state-run RIA Novosti, armed perpetrators "opened fire with automatic weapons" and "hurled a grenade or an incendiary bomb, igniting a fire." Subsequently, they purportedly fled in a white Renault car.

Reportedly, the roof of the venue partially collapsed, as confirmed by state media Russia 24.

It took more than six hours to largely contain the fire. Moscow governor Andrey Vorobyov, communicating via Telegram, stated, "There are still some pockets of fire, but the fire has been mostly extinguished."

This horrific incident, the deadliest terror attack in Moscow in decades, occurred less than a week following President Vladimir Putin's landslide victory in a heavily managed election, securing another term and solidifying his authority over the nation.

With attention drawn to the ongoing conflict with neighboring Ukraine, Putin had emphasized a message of national security in the lead-up to the elections.

The assault unfolded just before a concert by the band Picnic, as reported by Russia 24.

"Unidentified individuals in camouflage attire stormed into Crocus City Hall and initiated gunfire prior to the commencement of the concert," stated the Prosecutor General’s Office, as cited by TASS.

Videos capturing the pandemonium depicted terrified crowds huddling together, screaming, and seeking refuge behind cushioned seats as gunshots reverberated throughout the expansive hall. Some were compelled to break windows to escape the gunfire, as seen in footage obtained by CNN.

Footage, geolocated by CNN, revealed an armed individual igniting at least one fire inside the venue before disappearing from view, leaving behind a bright flash of light from a large flame.

Prompt response efforts included the deployment of a SWAT team, with over 70 ambulance teams and medical professionals aiding the victims.

As per TASS, 145 individuals have been hospitalized, with 60 in critical condition.

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin was briefed on the attack and is being kept abreast of the on-ground measures.

The following day, President Putin extended his wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack, as reported by the state-run RIA-Novosti news agency. He also expressed gratitude to the medical personnel involved.

Approximately 100 individuals were evacuated from the building by firefighters, according to TASS.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin labeled the attack a "terrible tragedy," extending condolences to the families of the victims and issuing directives to provide necessary assistance to all affected.

Sobyanin announced via Telegram the cancellation of all sporting, cultural, and public events in Moscow for the weekend.

Picnic's manager assured state media that the performers remained unscathed.

Russian singer Shaman pledged to cover the funeral expenses of the victims and provide treatment for the injured, emphasizing unity in the face of adversity.

The U.S. embassy in Russia had previously issued warnings about potential terrorist threats targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts. Subsequently, it advised American citizens against traveling to Russia following reports of the Crocus City Hall attack.

Starting in November, there had been consistent intelligence indicating ISIS-K's intent to carry out attacks in Russia.

A U.S. official affirmed on Friday that there was no reason to doubt ISIS' claim of responsibility for the latest attack.

Ukraine, amidst allegations, denied any involvement in the assault.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vehemently condemned the attack, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

World leaders, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with Russia and the victims.