Moscow concert hall attack: Death toll rises to 140 after another victim dies.
Moscow concert hall attack death toll rises to 140. Islamic State claims responsibility. Allegations of Western and Ukrainian involvement.
Russian officials announced on Wednesday that the death toll from the recent assault on a Moscow concert hall has climbed to 140, following the passing of another victim in the hospital. This individual was among five still hospitalized in critical condition, with Health Minister Mikhail Murashko stating that medical professionals had exhausted all efforts to save them. Currently, 80 individuals remain hospitalized from injuries sustained in the attack, with an additional 205 seeking outpatient medical aid.
The massacre occurred last Friday evening at Crocus City Hall, situated on the outskirts of Moscow, marking the deadliest terrorist incident on Russian soil in nearly two decades. Armed with automatic rifles, at least four assailants opened fire on thousands of concert attendees and ignited the venue.
An affiliate of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the atrocity, a claim supported by U.S. intelligence. French President Emmanuel Macron also cited intelligence implicating an "IS entity" in the attack. Following the incident, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended 11 individuals, including four suspected gunmen of Tajik nationality, who appeared in a Moscow court on Sunday facing terrorism charges. However, they displayed signs of severe physical abuse, with one appearing barely conscious during proceedings.
Russian authorities have alleged involvement from Ukraine and Western powers, an assertion vehemently denied by Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of attempting to rally support amid ongoing conflicts. FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov suggested Western intelligence agencies collaborated in the attack, alongside direct involvement from Ukrainian counterparts. However, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko countered this narrative, suggesting the suspects fled towards Ukraine due to stringent border controls in Belarus.
The Islamic State group, which has targeted Russia previously, notably downing a Russian jetliner in 2015, has maintained a focus on the country despite losing territory elsewhere. Putin warned of potential future attacks, insinuating Western complicity. Notably, the U.S. had shared confidential intelligence with Moscow regarding a potential terrorist threat, though Putin criticized the timing of a prior warning issued by the U.S. Embassy, denouncing it as an attempt to sow fear and influence the Russian presidential election.
Bortnikov expressed gratitude for the warning but characterized it as vague and general three days before the assault occurred.
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