The number of victims of the attack near Moscow has increased to 115, the Russian Investigative Committee announced today.
The Russian Investigative Committee announced today that four perpetrators of the attack were arrested in the border region of Bryansk while they were fleeing to Ukraine.
Separately, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that it had learned that this group was being awaited on the Ukrainian side of the border by an aide who was supposed to facilitate their passage and provide cover.
“Trying to escape, the terrorists moved towards the Russian-Ukrainian border, planned to cross the border and had contacts on the Ukrainian side,” it was reported.
The Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, said earlier today that those responsible for the attack will be punished, the TASS news agency reported.
The Russian Federal Security Service informed President Vladimir Putin that 11 people, including four directly involved, were detained after the terrorist attack near Moscow, the Kremlin announced.
The press release states that efforts are underway to identify other suspects.
A source in the Russian special services has confirmed that the US has provided information on preparations for terrorist attacks in Moscow, reports RIA Novosti.
Men in camouflage uniforms opened fire with automatic weapons on concertgoers near Moscow last night, killing at least 115 people confirmed so far and injuring 150, including five children.
Firefighters are on the spot and are putting out the remains of the fire, which is mostly under control, the Ministry of Emergency Situations announced.
The ministry said that about 13,000 square meters of the seven-story building – about a third of its total area – was affected by the fire.
Helicopters dropped about 160 tons of water on the building.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia announced that it was a terrorist attack.
A photo of the car in which the terrorists allegedly escaped was published.
The EU, shocked by the terrorist attack in Moscow, condemns the attacks on civilians
The European Union is “shocked and appalled by reports of a terrorist attack” on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, EU spokesman Peter Stano announced online.
“The EU condemns every attack on civilians. Our thoughts are with all Russian citizens affected by this attack,” Stano wrote last night.
Orban expressed his condolences to Russia
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed his condolences to Russia after the deadly terrorist attack near Moscow in which at least 60 people were killed and around 150 were wounded.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the people of the Russian Federation following the heinous terrorist attack that took place near Moscow. We pray for the families of the victims!” wrote Orban on the “X” platform.
Beijing shocked by terrorist attack near Moscow
Beijing is deeply shocked by the terrorist attack near Moscow and expresses firm support for Russia’s efforts to ensure security, Chinese President Xi Jinping said.
“I was shocked by the news of the terrorist attack on a concert hall in the Moscow region, which resulted in a large number of victims,” Xi said in a condolence message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to China Central Television.
Xi added that China firmly supports the efforts of the Russian government to maintain national security and stability.
“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I want to express my deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those who died,” the Chinese president said.
Interpol condemned the attack in Moscow, offered help in the investigation
The Secretary General of Interpol, Jürgen Stock, strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the hall near Moscow, adding that the international organization is ready to help the Russian authorities in the relevant investigation.
“I strongly condemn the attack in the “Crocus City Hall” concert hall as a terrible act against innocent civilians. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends. Interpol is ready to support the investigation of the Russian authorities,” Stok wrote on the “X” platform.
Photo: TASS