Deadliest attack in Russia since 2004: Gunmen target concertgoers near Moscow, killing 60 and wounding 145

In a harrowing incident marking the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, camouflage-clad gunmen unleashed havoc with automatic weapons on concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall just west of Moscow. The attack, occurring just before the Soviet-era rock group “Picnic” was scheduled to perform, resulted in at least 60 fatalities and 145 injuries, with around 60 individuals in critical condition. This act of violence has been claimed by Islamic State militants, underscoring the persistent threat of terrorism on a global scale.

Eyewitness accounts depict a scene of chaos and terror as attendees were caught off guard by the sudden barrage of gunfire, leading to a frantic rush towards exits amidst screams and gunfire. The Russian authorities have confirmed the death toll and the number of injuries, while investigators have released images of the weapons used in the attack, including a Kalashnikov automatic rifle, vests loaded with ammunition, and bags filled with spent bullet casings.

The Islamic State group, known for its brutal campaign to establish control over large parts of Iraq and Syria, has taken responsibility for the attack, stating that it aimed to kill and wound hundreds and cause significant destruction. The United States has corroborated the claim of responsibility, acknowledging prior warnings to Moscow about the potential for such an attack.

In response to this tragedy, Russia has ramped up security measures across the country, particularly in Moscow, canceling large-scale public events and tightening controls at transport hubs. President Vladimir Putin, freshly re-elected, is being regularly briefed on the situation by security chiefs, including the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

This attack comes in the context of heightened tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Putin often warning of attempts by various powers, including Western countries, to destabilize Russia. The international community, including the United States, European and Arab nations, and many former Soviet republics, has expressed shock and extended condolences, while the United Nations Security Council has condemned the attack as heinous and cowardly.

As the situation develops, this tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges faced in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians in an increasingly volatile global landscape.