The horrific attack on a Moscow concert hall on Friday has left more than 100 people dead, marking the deadliest assault in Russia in years. Gunmen stormed the Crocus City Hall as concertgoers were preparing to watch a performance by the rock group Picnic. The attackers opened fire, causing chaos and panic inside the venue.
Video footage captured the terrifying moments as multiple shots rang out and people scrambled for cover. The Islamic State group (IS) has claimed responsibility for the heinous act, stating that four of its members carried out the attack.
The assailants, dressed in camouflage uniforms, entered the concert hall and began shooting indiscriminately, leading to a scene of horror and devastation. The terrorists even set fire to the premises, trapping many spectators inside. It took hours for the fire to be contained, with helicopters dropping water to douse the flames.
The tragic incident has left a profound impact on the community, with more than 133 confirmed dead and many others critically injured. The victims ranged from children to elderly individuals who had come to enjoy the concert at the popular venue.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the attackers, with some suspects arrested and others still at large. The Russian government has yet to confirm the identity of the perpetrators, but suspicions point towards foreign nationals, possibly from Tajikistan.
The IS claim of responsibility has raised concerns about the growing threat of terrorism in Russia, particularly from extremist groups like ISIS-Khorasan. President Vladimir Putin has condemned the attack and accused Western entities of trying to destabilize Russian society.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the senseless loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against terrorism and the need for global cooperation to combat this grave threat.