On the evening of March 22, 2024, a devastating attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall, a popular concert venue in Moscow, Russia.
The attack involved gunmen dressed in camouflage who broke into the concert hall and opened fire, shooting an unknown number of people. The assailants also used incendiary devices, which caused a fire within the venue.
The attack resulted in at least 40 fatalities and over 145 individuals sustaining injuries. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for this act of terrorism, which involved a mass shooting and multiple explosions.
Details of the Attack
The attack began around 8 p.m. local time during a concert by the Russian rock band Picnic. A group of at least five gunmen, dressed in camouflage, stormed the complex and opened fire with automatic weapons. In addition to gunfire, assailants used incendiary devices, leading to a fire within the venue. The violence caused major destruction, and the attackers managed to flee the scene.
Casualties and Response
The number of casualties reported includes at least 40 dead and more than 145 injured, with some sources reporting over 100 wounded. Among the victims were children. Many of the injured were hospitalized, with 60 people in serious condition. In response to the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin cancelled all weekend events in the city and tightened security, particularly at airports.
International and Local Reactions
The international community, including the United States and several European countries, expressed condolences to Russia and the families of the victims. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow had previously issued a warning on March 7 about the risk of imminent threats, advising citizens to avoid large gatherings. Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the attack and has been receiving updates on the situation.
Security Implications
The attack has raised concerns about the potential for follow-on attacks, with authorities and the general public fearing further violence. The U.S. Embassy advised against travel to Russia following the incident. Russia’s history of similar attacks, such as the 2011 airport bombing, underscores the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups.
Conclusion
The ISIS attack on Crocus City Hall marks a significant and tragic event, with a high number of casualties and a clear intent to target a large gathering. The incident has prompted a strong security response and international solidarity with Russia as it deals with the aftermath of the attack. The situation remains tense, with a manhunt underway for the perpetrators and heightened vigilance against the possibility of additional threats.
Source –
- https://abcnews.go.com/International/shooting-reported-concert-hall-moscow/story?id=108396308
- https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/22/europe/crocus-moscow-shooting/index.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/moscow-concert-hall-shooting-blast
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