The Islamic State group, also known as IS, carried out the attack at Crocus City Hall on Friday. Video evidence was posted by IS, showing the incident. Russian officials have accused Ukraine of involvement, a claim Kyiv has deemed “absurd.” Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged Ukrainian assistance to the attackers, claiming Kyiv facilitated their escape across the border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly denied these allegations. The authenticity of the graphic video released by IS, depicting the attack inside the concert hall, has been confirmed by the BBC. However, Russian officials refrained from acknowledging the claim, stating that commenting on it before completing the investigation would be inappropriate.
Four gunmen stormed Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, a suburb of Moscow, during a rock concert, resulting in the deaths of 137 people and injuring over 100, with 60 in serious condition. Rescue operations continue amid the rubble of the concert hall.
The suspects apprehended in the Bryansk region, around 14 hours after the attack, were presented in court. They faced allegations of terrorism. Videos showing their interrogation sessions, allegedly leaked by Russian security forces, suggested instances of torture, including electric shocks. The suspects displayed signs of physical trauma during their court appearance.
Two of the suspects admitted guilt, according to the court statement on the Telegram messaging service. They will remain in pre-trial detention until at least 22 May. The suspects were identified as citizens of Tajikistan.
Russia has previously been targeted by IS and its affiliates, including attacks on Russian interests abroad. The group’s motives include retaliation for Russia’s involvement in conflicts such as Syria and historical events like the wars in Chechnya and Afghanistan.
The United States had warned of a potential attack on large gatherings in Russia, which the Kremlin dismissed as propaganda. Following the incident, the US acknowledged the IS claim, citing no reason to doubt its authenticity.
The attack is believed to be orchestrated by the Khorasan branch of IS, known as Isis-K, which operates primarily in Afghanistan and Central Asia and has previously criticized President Vladimir Putin in its propaganda.
