Moscow, the capital city of Russia has been attacked by the ISIS. At least 60 people have been killed after they attacked a concert hall in Moscow. At least, 145 people have also been injured.
The horrifying incident unfolded when five gunmen, dressed in camouflage attire and armed with automatic weapons, stormed into the crowded concert hall during a performance by the veteran rock band Picnic. The attackers indiscriminately fired into the audience and triggered explosives, igniting a massive fire that engulfed the venue.
Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and terror as concertgoers scrambled for safety amid the gunfire and flames. As panic ensued, people rushed towards emergency exits, resulting in a stampede, with some attendees resorting to climbing over one another to escape the carnage. The concert hall, known for its capacity to hold around 6,200 people, quickly turned into a scene of tragedy and devastation.
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The attack marks one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the raid as a “huge tragedy,” while President Vladimir Putin remained updated on the situation, according to his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that multiple assailants clad in combat gear entered the concert hall, unleashing gunfire on innocent bystanders.
Videos circulated on social media depicted the terrifying moments inside the venue, with repeated gunshots audible as attackers moved through the hall. Security personnel at the concert hall were reportedly unarmed, leaving them vulnerable to the onslaught. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack, boasting about their fighters’ assault on the outskirts of Moscow before withdrawing to safety, though the claim could not be independently verified.
In the aftermath of the attack, condemnation poured in from around the world, with leaders expressing solidarity with Russia and denouncing the heinous act of terrorism. Security measures were heightened across Moscow, with authorities tightening surveillance at airports, railway stations, and metro systems. Mass gatherings were canceled, and cultural institutions were shut down as a precautionary measure.
The Kremlin refrained from assigning blame immediately, but some Russian lawmakers pointed fingers at Ukraine, sparking tensions amid an already volatile geopolitical landscape. Rescue efforts continued throughout the night, with firefighters battling to extinguish the flames that engulfed the concert hall. Despite the swift response, the toll of the tragedy weighed heavily on the city, leaving scars that would take time to heal.