Russian media channels reported about large Scale shooting at Crocus City Hall in Moscow.This happened before the start of a concert by the group “Picnic”.After the shooting, a fire started in the building.RIA Novosti claims that three men in camouflage opened fire.
Following the attack, Russian security forces stormed the Crocus City venue in Moscow. There are reports that terrorists have barricaded themselves, and also reports that some may have left.
“A search is underway for four men in camouflage clothing who may have fled the crime scene.”
According to reports, at least 40 people were killed and more than 100 were injured as a result of the shooting at Crocus City Hall.
The building continues to burn. The fire area is about 3000 square meters.
People who did not have time to evacuate from Crocus City Hall in Moscow are blocked by fire. Preliminarily, there may be about 100 of them. The roof of the building began to collapse.
“To detain the terrorists, all possible forces, including those from Moscow, are being brought to the site – the security services are on alert“, Governor of the Moscow Region Vorobyov
Ukraine Intelligence :
“The terrorist attack in the suburbs of Moscow is a deliberate provocation of Putin’s regime, which was warned by the international community”, – GUR Yusov.
“The Kremlin tyrant started his career with this and wants to end it with the same crimes against his own citizens.”
ISIS claims responsibility:
Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), an Afghan affiliate of ISIL (ISIS), claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted by its Amaq news agency.
It said its fighters had attacked on the outskirts of Moscow, “killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely” and then escaped.
However, ISIS has not provided any evidence to support the claim but American sources have confirmed involvement of ISIS in Moscow Concert Hall shooting.
Why did ISIS attack Moscow:
Experts said the group had opposed Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years.
“ISIS-K [ISKP] has been fixated on Russia for the past two years, frequently criticising Putin in its propaganda,” said Colin Clarke of Soufan Center, a Washington-based research group.
It is also noted that ISIS-K blames the Kremlin of having Muslim blood in its hands, because of Moscow’s interventions in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria.
Remember on March 8, the US Embassy warned about the preparation of a terrorist attack in Moscow:
“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists are planning to attack large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, in the near future, and US citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings for the next 48 hours.” Embassy said.
