Attack in Moscow: at least 40 dead and over 100 injured, ISIS accepted responsibility

At least 40 dead and over 100 injured in the attack that happened this evening (Friday) in Moscow, the capital of Russia, in a concert hall called “Crocus City Hall”. According to estimates, more than 6,200 people stayed there. After about three hours, ISIS took responsibility for carrying out the attack.

According to reports, three men in camouflage uniforms opened fire on the crowd, throwing a grenade or a Molotov cocktail. A loud explosion was heard on the spot and a fire broke out in the building. Those present in the hall had to lie on the floor and hide for 15-20 minutes. The mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, announced that all mass events in the city are canceled and sent his condolences to the families of the murdered: “A huge tragedy has occurred.”

Special units of Russia’s National Guard were called to the scene as well, and Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said it was “taking all necessary measures.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia said that “the whole world should condemn this terrorist attack”. In the Moscow region, it was decided to increase security at airports and train stations.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the shooting was a “terrorist attack”. The White House clarified that “at this point there is no indication that Ukraine is involved in the attack,” and added: “The images coming from Moscow are terrible and difficult to watch. Our thoughts are with the victims.”

In response to this, the Russian Foreign Ministry wondered on what basis they decided in the United States that Ukraine was not involved, and said that “if they have information regarding the attack – they should pass it on to us.”

Office of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky: “Ukraine has nothing to do with the shooting in the Moscow region.” The spokesperson of the Inter-Ukrainian Agency referred to the attack as well, and claimed that it was not an attack but “a provocation carried out by Russian special forces”.