Gunmen’s Reign of Terror Leaves Death and Destruction”

The terror:

Gunmen attacked a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, killing at least 133 people and injuring 140, Russian security services confirmed. The attackers, dressed in camouflage, stormed what is known as the Crooks City Hall in the northwestern suburbs of Krasnogorsk. The attack came as the hall was preparing to host a rock concert, chaos erupted as gunmen stormed both the foyer and the theater.

The terror venue, Crooks City Hall, was on the verge of hosting a rock concert when the attackers stormed both the foyer and the theater. A major part of the building was engulfed in flames, a part of the roof collapsed under the attack. Tragically, reports suggest that children are among the dead. The Russian Foreign Ministry immediately condemned the attack, calling it a “terrorist attack”.

Although an unverified online statement attributed the attack to the militant group Islamic State, US officials told CBS along with the BBC that intelligence had linked ISIS to Russia. Indicated intentions to attack. Notably, the White House had previously warned Russian officials about potential threats to Moscow, specifically targeting “large gatherings.”

Russian security forces, including special units of the National Guard, were mobilized to the scene to pursue the perpetrators, while senior Russian officials made their way to Krasnogorsk to oversee the response effort. A few weeks ago, the US Embassy issued a precautionary advisory for US citizens, advising them to avoid large gatherings amid reports of extremist plans to target such events in Moscow. After that, the embassy further updated its guidance, urging people to stay away from areas around the attack.

Russian security forces, including special units of the National Guard, were mobilized to the scene to pursue the perpetrators, while senior Russian officials made their way to Krasnogorsk to oversee the response effort. A few weeks ago, the US Embassy issued a precautionary advisory for US citizens, advising them to avoid large gatherings amid reports of extremist plans to target such events in Moscow. After that, the embassy further updated its guidance, urging people to stay away from areas around the attack.

A security guard recounted the harrowing moment when heavily armed assailants entered the foyer, opening fire as he and his colleagues were stationed at the main entrance. He described how he took cover behind a billboard as the assailants fired indiscriminately at people just meters away on the ground floor. Meanwhile, inside the auditorium, a woman shared her account of the panic that resulted in the sound of gunfire, prompting patrons to frantically run toward the stage for cover.

As the chaos spread, fire and smoke shot skyward, engulfing the hall’s facade in flames, shattering glass from the upper floors of the building. Eyewitnesses said the fire was possibly caused by incendiary devices thrown by the assailants. Amidst the destruction, witnesses saw children and teenagers in the complex, some of whom were participating in a ballroom dance competition.

While some managed to escape through various routes, including the parking area and roof, around 100 people found shelter in the basement. Ambulance personnel immediately rushed to the scene, providing aid and assistance.

In response to the atrocity, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the cancellation of all public events in the capital over the weekend, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. This decision was also observed by many other regions, including St. Petersburg. The Russian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to condemn the incident and call it a “brutal crime”.

Amid the tragedy, Ukrainian government officials immediately denied involvement, with a presidential adviser suggesting the attack was a deliberate provocation by Russian special services. The attack, just days after Vladimir Putin secured a fifth presidential term, parallels past tragedies in Moscow, most notably the 2002 theater siege where Chechen militants took more than 900 people hostage during a performance. was

Security measures at airports and stations were immediately stepped up in response to the attack, as world leaders expressed solidarity and condolences. White House spokesman John Kirby emphasized the severity of the tragedy and expressed deep sorrow for the victims.