In a devastating development that has shocked the nation and the world at large, a deadly attack occurred at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, leaving a tragic toll of over 140 people dead. The assault, which is the most severe in recent history in Russia, was purportedly orchestrated by the Islamic State group, with Russian authorities conducting a widespread search and arresting several suspects linked to the harrowing incident.
According to Daily Mail, the incident took place last Friday, with the consequences of the violence evident by the following day. Online footage has emerged showing the arrest of three men, identified by Russian officials as the perpetrators behind the deadly assault. According to reports, one of the suspects was intercepted in the Bryansk region, as he tried to make his escape toward Ukraine.
In an appalling revelation, one detainee admitted to executing the attack for monetary gains, following directives received through Telegram from unidentified sources. This suspect detailed how he arrived in Russia from Turkey on March 4, with explicit orders to unleash violence upon anyone present at the venue.
Details emerge on suspects and their motivations
Another suspect, during interrogation, disclosed that he was lured into the operation with the promise of 500,000 roubles, half of which was paid upfront.
Ramzan Kadyrov, who commands Chechen fighters loyal to him, recounted, "Chechen fighters arrived at the given coordinates to the place where they were searching for terrorists around 3 am and immediately began combing the area together with the FSB [special forces] and soldiers of the Leningrad Military District."
The attack not only claimed numerous lives but also inflicted significant damage to the Crocus City Hall, eventually leading to a massive blaze. Before this distressing event, embassies from the UK and US had issued alerts concerning the potential of extremist actions being carried out in Moscow. It was later revealed by the Russian media that the calamity had culminated in 143 lives lost, with victims discovered in several locations within the venue.
Authorities managed to halt the suspected gunmen roughly 100 kilometers from the Ukraine border. In a subsequent announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed the apprehension of 11 individuals, including those identified as the gunmen, asserting that the detained had ties in Ukraine.
International response and repercussions
However, Ukraine has fervently denied any involvement in this tragic affair. A statement from Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov vehemently repudiated any association with the attack, emphasizing Ukraine's ongoing defense against Russian incursions and its focus on military targets rather than civilians.
Another suspect delved into his motivations, indicating his indoctrination via Telegram, where he was persuaded to commit the act of violence in return for financial remuneration. "I listened to lessons and studied on Telegram. The preacher's assistant suggested killing people and promised me a million rubles," stated the detained individual about the instructions he received.
This incident has not only led to a sorrowful loss of life but has also heightened the already tense relations between Russia and Ukraine. Despite Ukraine's denials, Russian authorities maintain that the assailants had contacts within Ukraine, a claim that adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Conclusion
The assault on Crocus City Hall in Moscow, recognized as the most calamitous in Russia for years, was claimed by the Islamic State group and acted upon by individuals allegedly for monetary compensation.
This resulted in over 140 fatalities. Arrests of suspects who purportedly received directives via Telegram have been made post the attack, one of which was attempting to flee towards Ukraine.
Despite these allegations, Ukraine has categorically repudiated any association with this attack, underscoring its defensive posture against Russian aggression.
