The terror attack inside a crowded concert hall in Moscow has drawn condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described it as a “heinous act” and expressed solidarity with the Russian government and its people.
According to reports, the attack took place at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, resulting in at least 60 fatalities and 145 injuries after assailants armed with guns and incendiary devices stormed the venue.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, although they provided no evidence to support their claim. Video footage from the scene showed the concert venue engulfed in flames, with panicked attendees seeking refuge from the gunfire.
PM Modi condemns ‘heinous terrorist’ attack in Moscow as toll mounts to 60
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State-run RIA Novosti reported that the attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and detonated explosives, causing chaos and destruction within the hall. They reportedly fled the scene in a white Renault car after carrying out the attack.
US officials confirmed the ISIS’s claim of responsibility shortly after the incident. The US had previously gathered intelligence suggesting that ISIS-K, the branch of the group based in Afghanistan, had been planning an attack on Moscow. This attack marks a significant shift in the group’s tactics, as it has previously focused on Europe and its home territory.
Colin P Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst, noted that ISIS-K has targeted Russia in its propaganda, accusing the Kremlin of having Muslim blood on its hands due to its interventions in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria.
The attack prompted a swift response from local authorities, with regional governor Andrey Vorobyov stating that every effort was being made to save lives. More than 70 ambulance teams and doctors were deployed to assist the victims, with 115 people hospitalized, including five children. Sixty individuals are reported to be in serious condition.
In light of the urgent need for medical assistance, Moscow City Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov called on residents to donate blood to help treat the victims. He emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stressing that donating blood could mean the difference between life and death for many of those affected.
The attack in Moscow follows a similar incident in Iran earlier in the year, where ISIS-K claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed over 100 people at a memorial service. The US had also warned Iran of a possible attack prior to the bombings, highlighting the evolving threat posed by the terrorist organization.
As investigations into the Moscow attack continue, the international community stands united in condemning terrorism in all its forms and reaffirming its commitment to combatting violent extremism wherever it may arise.
