At least 40 people were killed and 145 wounded in a horrific attack near Moscow on Friday. Gunmen clad in camouflage opened fire with automatic weapons on concertgoers, sending a wave of panic through the crowd.
The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted the Crocus City Hall concert venue west of Moscow.
Just before a performance by Soviet-era rock group “Picnic,” the attackers opened fire, causing a stampede as terrified concertgoers rushed for the exits. Verified videos showed the chaos of the attack, with screams and gunfire echoing through the venue.
“Suddenly there were bangs behind us – shots,” said one witness. “A stampede began. Everyone ran to the escalator. Everyone was screaming; everyone was running.”
The attack bears a grim resemblance to the 2004 Beslan school siege, where hundreds, including children, were held hostage. Reports indicate children are again among the casualties.
A Significant Terrorist Attack has reportedly occurred at the Crocus Concert Hall in the Russian Capital of Moscow, with at least 4 Gunmen armed with Semi-Auto and Automatic Rifles said to have entered the Building while Shooting anyone that can be seen. Shortly after the First… pic.twitter.com/7RRrBYRyRg
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 22, 2024
Security forces stormed the concert hall, engaging in a firefight with the attackers. Flames erupted from the venue, with helicopters attempting to douse the blaze as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed the death toll and announced additional security measures across the country.
World leaders have condemned the attack, with the US embassy in Moscow urging its citizens to avoid the area.
President Putin, who was recently re-elected, has been briefed on the attack and has ordered a full response. Security has been tightened at airports, transportation hubs, and throughout Moscow. All large-scale public events have been cancelled.
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