The Islamic State militant group launched a deadly attack on a concert venue near Moscow on Friday that left at least 60 dead and 145 injured. Camouflaged assailants fired indiscriminate automatic weapons into the crowd just moments before the start of a performance by the renowned Soviet-era rock band “Piknik” at the 6,200-capacity Crocus City Hall.
Witness accounts described scenes of chaos and horror as concertgoers fled for safety to the sound of gunfire and screams. The attack is the deadliest incident in Russia since the Beslan school siege in 2004, when Islamist militants held more than 1,000 people hostage, including many children.
Health officials said more than 60 of the injured were in critical condition. Russian President Vladimir Putin received updates on the situation from security officials, including the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov.
Images released by Russian investigators revealed the weapons and ammunition used in the attack, including Kalashnikov automatic rifles and vests with spare magazines. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq news agency, saying its fighters targeted civilians on the outskirts of Moscow.
However, the fate of the attackers remains uncertain as firefighters battled a huge blaze and emergency services evacuated hundreds of people as parts of the compound’s roof collapsed.
IS said in a statement that its fighters attacked the suburbs of Moscow, “killing and wounding hundreds and causing widespread destruction on the ground before safely retreating to their bases.” Russian media released a blurry photo of two of the alleged attackers in a white car.
The United States has confirmed intelligence supporting the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility as Russian authorities have been warned of potential threats in recent weeks, according to the official. Security measures were immediately increased across Russia, with large public events canceled and vigilance increased at airports and transport hubs.
Around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Kremlin, Crocus City Hall was attacked just two weeks after the US Embassy in Russia issued a warning about “extremists” preparing an imminent attack in Moscow. Hours earlier, the FSB claimed to have foiled an attack on a Moscow synagogue by the Islamic State in Afghanistan branch, known as ISIS-Khorasan or ISIS-K.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called it a “bloody terrorist attack” that should be condemned by the whole world. Many former Soviet republics, the United States, and European and Arab powers expressed shock and condolences. Mykhailo Podolyak, presidential adviser on Ukraine, denied any involvement by his country.
The UN Security Council condemned what it called a “heinous and cowardly terrorist attack”. Russia has increased security throughout the capital, home to more than 21 million people, as well as at airports and transport hubs. Every major public event in the country was canceled.
“The president is constantly receiving information about what is happening and the measures taken through all relevant services. The head of state has given all the necessary instructions,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Flames shot high into the night at Crocus Town Hall and billows of black smoke rose above the venue as hundreds of blue emergency vehicle lights flashed. Helicopters were trying to put out the fire that engulfed the large structure. The roof of the venue was collapsing, according to the state news agency RIA.
