A deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow on Friday has left at least 80 people dead and 140 injured. The incident, the deadliest in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, has sparked confusion as conflicting narratives emerge about the attackers' identities and motives.
Gunfire Erupts at Crocus City Hall
Just before a performance by Soviet-era rock band "Picnic" at the 6,200-seat Crocus City Hall, gunmen clad in camouflage opened fire on concertgoers. Verified videos depict the horrifying scene: attendees scrambling for cover amidst a barrage of gunfire and screams.
ISIS Claims Responsibility
The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States has reportedly confirmed intelligence supporting this claim, stating they previously warned Russia of a potential attack.
Russian Media Disputes ISIS Claim
However, Russian media outlets, citing investigative sources, present a different perspective. Kommersant newspaper reports that the attackers were described as tall men, possibly linked to the Russian Volunteer Corps - a paramilitary group allegedly backed by Ukraine and composed of Russians opposing the Kremlin. These sources further claimed the attackers used disguises with fake beards and moustaches. Some other Russian sources claim they appeared to be from Central Asia.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wrote on the Telegram app that if those responsible for the attack turn out to be Ukrainian, “all of them must be found and ruthlessly destroyed as terrorists”.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, denied Ukraine’s involvement.
“Ukraine has never resorted to the use of terrorist methods,” he posted on X. “Everything in this war will be decided only on the battlefield.”
Investigation and Global Response
Russian authorities are investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. Images of Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition vests, and spent bullet casings have been released. The fate of the attackers remains unclear as emergency services battle a fire at the venue and evacuate survivors.
Local media report President Vladimir Putin is receiving continuous updates from security chiefs. World leaders have condemned the attack, with the United Nations Security Council calling it a "heinous and cowardly terrorist attack."
