- PM Modi condemns terrorists attack
- Putin announces March 24 as a day of mourning
THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 22
Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed this morning that the death toll from the horrific attack on a concert hall has risen to at least 143, with more bodies discovered amidst the rubble. The assailants, clad in camouflage, stormed the venue, indiscriminately firing upon attendees before setting the crowded hall ablaze. As authorities continue their search and rescue efforts, the number of casualties is expected to climb, as per media reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as a barbaric act of terrorism in a public address, promising swift justice for the perpetrators. He further accused Ukraine of facilitating an escape route for the suspects, a claim vehemently denied by Kyiv. Putin declared March 24 as a day of mourning in response to the terrorist attack in Moscow during his national address.
According to reports from NBC News, Russia has apprehended 11 individuals, including all four gunmen believed to have carried out the assault. This revelation came from the head of the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB) during a briefing with President Putin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow on Saturday, denouncing it as a heinous act of terrorism. He expressed solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation, offering thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims affected by the tragedy.
We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024
NBC News reports that the terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, they have not provided evidence to support this claim. U.S. officials, speaking to NBC News, stated that they have been gathering intelligence for months indicating that ISIS could potentially carry out a mass casualty attack in Russia. Nonetheless, no final assessment has been made regarding the responsible party. Earlier this month, U.S. embassy officials issued a warning advising people to avoid large gatherings as a precautionary measure.
According to The Guardian, Gunmen clad in combat fatigues stormed a large concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, opening fire and detonating explosives, the report revealed. Photos depicted Crocus City Hall engulfed in flames, while videos captured the chaos as panicked Russians fled from the scene. The Guardian further detailed that one video showed three armed men firing rifles at close range amid the carnage in the concert hall lobby, with explosions heard in other recordings. Multiple blasts occurred during the assault on Friday evening, according to news agencies.
The assault occurred shortly after President Vladimir Putin secured a landslide victory in a highly orchestrated electoral campaign, adding a grim backdrop to the political landscape.
ABC News also highlighted reports from Russian media indicating that the attackers used explosives to fuel the blaze, with social media footage capturing thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the building, which has a capacity of over 6,000 people.
Below are several viral videos capturing the incident circulating across various social media platforms.
https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1771241841263783958
A concert hall attacked in Moscow, shooting in the concert itself, and a huge fire in the mall. Very likely a Kremlin false flag operation in order to boost mobilisation and explain more strikes on Ukraine's civil population.pic.twitter.com/owjdd6JTMU
— Sergej Sumlenny, LL.M (@sumlenny) March 22, 2024
🇷🇺 ⚡The entire roof is about to collapse due to the huge fire pic.twitter.com/HnS8Le6qu2
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) March 22, 2024