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Putin accuses gunmen of fleeing to Ukraine; Zelensky denies involvement in Moscow concert hall attack
Europe / Asia: Russia
Asia: Afghanistan
Asia: Tajikistan
Europe: Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses gunmen of fleeing to Ukraine; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denies involvement in Moscow concert hall attack
On March 23, 2024, gunmen stormed a concert hall in Moscowl, leaving devastation in their wake. The attack, which claimed the lives of over 130 people and injured more than 100 others, shocked the nation and prompted swift action from Russian authorities.
According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, the assault took place at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, a suburban area of Moscow. Gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on concertgoers, turning the bustling hall into a scene of chaos and terror. The Islamic State-Khorosan (IS-K) group swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.
President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, revealing that Russian forces had apprehended four suspects attempting to flee to Ukraine. However, Kyiv vehemently denied any involvement in the assault, labeling Putin's accusations as unfounded attempts to manipulate public opinion amidst Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The attempt by Putin to link the attack to Ukraine could only be considered spurious since IS-K released a graphic video of their massacre, which was apparently filmed on bodycams worn by the attackers. The video includes shouts of "God is Greatest" from the assailants.
Moreover, Russian officials claimed the suspects were captured in the Bryansk region, suggesting they might have been en route to Ukraine. However, Belarus would be a more plausible destination as it offered an easier route out of Russia compared to the challenging journey through a minefield to reach Ukraine.
The involvement of Islamic State-Khorosan (IS-K) , which has carried out terror attacks in Afghanistan and operates in Central Asia. Indeed, IS-K has been one of the most active Islamic State enclaves, having carried out the suicide attack at the Kabul airport in 2021 during the withdrawal of United States forces from Afghanistan. The name Islamic State-Khorosan refers to the historical term for the region.
While Putin refrained from explicitly mentioning IS-K in his address, U.S. intelligence officials confirmed the group's claim of responsibility. This acknowledgment made clear the global reach and threat posed by extremist organizations like ISIS.
Four men were charged by Russia for their alleged involvement in the attack. The men, identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, were brought before a Moscow court.
Reports suggested that the men had been subjected to beatings and other forms of abuse during interrogation.They were accused of committing an act of terrorism, although one of the men reportedly admitted guilt. The admission could be regarded with skepticism if the confession was coerced via torture.
The gunmen were identified as citizens of Tajikistan, a predominantly Muslim country bordering Afghanistan. Tajikistan’s foreign ministry denied initial reports linking additional Tajiks to the raid, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and cooperation among nations to combat terrorism effectively. Nevertheless, the attackers were being held in pre-trial detention until at least May 22, 2024.
In the aftermath of the attack, calls for heightened security measures reverberated across Russia. Putin declared a day of mourning and emphasized the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the imperative of remaining vigilant against such atrocities.
The assault also sparked questions about intelligence failures and security lapses. Despite prior warnings issued by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow regarding potential terrorist threats, Russia did not appear to have taken the guidance seriously. Indeed, the attack caught Russian authorities off guard, raising concerns about the efficacy of counter-terrorism efforts and the need for enhanced coordination among international intelligence agencies.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed anger regarding Russia’s attempt to associate the attack in Moscow with Ukraine in any way. He criticized Russian President Putin and Moscow for attempting to link the attack to Kyiv, calling them "scum." Zelensky also accused Moscow of prioritizing blaming Kyiv over reassuring its own citizens, and he condemned Russia for sending "hundreds of thousands of terrorists" to Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022. He highlighted the brutal actions of Russian troops in Ukraine, including burning cities and committing acts of torture and rape.
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