Update
Perpetrator probably escaped
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack in Moscow
March 22, 2024, 10:31 p.m
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The extremist militia Islamic State (IS) claims responsibility for the attack in Moscow. A corresponding message is spread via the Islamists’ Telegram channel. The Russian National Guard is feverishly searching for the perpetrators. They may have been able to escape.
The jihadist militia Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Moscow. The group wrote on the Telegram online service on Friday that IS fighters had attacked “a large gathering … on the outskirts of the Russian capital Moscow.” According to Russian authorities, at least 40 people were killed and more than a hundred others were injured.
At least five perpetrators can be seen on a video firing at spectators.
(Photo: Screenshot Twitter)
The IS statement went on to say that the attackers had “safely retreated to their bases.” The Russian news agency RIA also reported that the perpetrators had probably escaped. The Russian National Guard said in the evening that it was at the crime scene and was looking for the perpetrators. A Russian MP later announced that the National Guard would be withdrawn from the hall again. They searched the ground floor, first floor and the underground parking garage.
In the evening, Moscow reported a “bloody terrorist attack” in a concert hall on the outskirts of the Russian capital. Russian media initially reported that unknown people in camouflage clothing opened fire at the venue in the suburb of Krasnogorsk, and that a fire then broke out. At least five shooters were seen in unconfirmed videos purporting to show the attack.
Gunmen in camouflage clothing
According to the Tass news agency, an “unknown number of people” attacked with gunfire in the hall where the Russian rock group Piknik was giving a concert. The venue was evacuated. A reporter from the Ria Novosti news agency on site spoke of “automatic gunfire” fired by gunmen in camouflage clothing. The fire was caused by a grenade or an incendiary bomb. The shooting lasted 15 to 20 minutes. Many people attending the concert could have escaped outside.
In addition to the search for the attackers on site, an investigation into a “terrorist act” has been launched, the Russian authorities said. The US Embassy in Russia warned its citizens two weeks ago that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.”
Several serious attacks have been carried out in Russia in the past. In late December 2013 – less than two months before the start of the Winter Olympics in Sochi – two suicide bombers at a train station and a trolleybus in the city of Volgograd killed 34 people. In September 2004, Chechen extremists broke into a school in Beslan, southern Russia. They took control of around 1,100 children, parents and teachers who were celebrating the start of the new school year. After a three-day siege, security forces violently ended the hostage-taking. According to official information, a total of more than 330 people died, including 180 children.