MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the attack on a concert hall in Moscow as a “barbaric terrorist act” and pledged severe punishment for all those involved. In his televised address, Putin confirmed that all four gunmen responsible for the attack, which killed over 115 innocent people, had been apprehended before they could escape across the border into Ukraine.
Addressing the nation, Putin expressed outrage at the senseless violence perpetrated against innocent civilians. He vowed to identify and punish not only the gunmen but also anyone who aided or plotted the attack.
Putin’s remarks came shortly after the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) disclosed that the assailants had attempted to flee the country and had been in contact with individuals in Ukraine during their escape bid.
The attack, which took place at the Crocus City Hall in a suburb of Moscow, resulted in at least 115 fatalities and left the concert hall engulfed in flames. While the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the assault, Russian authorities have yet to confirm this assertion.
In his stern address, Putin underscored that those responsible for the “barbaric” act would face the full force of justice, declaring Sunday a day of national mourning across Russia.
“Terrorists, murderers, non-humans will face the unenviable fate of retribution and oblivion,” Putin declared, emphasizing his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Over 115 Killed in Moscow Concert Hall Attack
According to media reports, around eleven suspects have been arrested following gunmen attacked a concert hall in Moscow and opened fire on the people, Russian officials said. Russian authorities confirmed that around 115 people including three children were killed in the attack.
Pictures shared by Russian official media Saturday showed emergency vehicles still gathered in front of the ruins of Crocus City Hall, a shopping center and music venue with a capacity of over 6,000 people in Krasnogorsk, Moscow.
Friday’s attack in Moscow came just days following Russian President Vladimir Putin cemented his clutch on power in a highly scored electoral victory. The assault was the deadliest in Russia in recent years and came as Moscow’s fight in Ukraine dragged into a 3rd year.
Earlier, local media reported that more than 60 people were killed in Moscow concert attack. It added that the number of victims could rise in the terrorist attack. Armed men opened fire at a concert hall in a Moscow suburb Friday leaving scores dead and injured before a major fire ripped through the building, Russian media reported. According to the RIA Novosti news agency, attackers dressed in camouflaged outfits entered the compound, opened fire and threw a grenade and bomb. The fire quickly spread to the Crocus City Hall in Moscow.
The theater can accommodate thousands of people and has hosted several concerts by top international artists. Emergency services said that unidentified men opened fire on Crocus Town Hall. Several countries including China, the US, France and Pakistan strongly condemned the attack in Moscow.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent “condolences” to his Russian President Vladimir Putin over the deadly assault on a Moscow concert hall, official media reported on Saturday.
Earlier, the US also offered its condolences to the families of the victims of what it described “terrible” killings in Moscow, Russia, saying it was trying to take more information over the incident.
Pakistan also strongly denounced the terrorist attack in Moscow in which many people were killed and wounded. In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia terming it as “horrendous”, and also expressed solidarity with the people of Russia.
