Russian President Vladimir Putin says the attack on a concert hall in Moscow was committed by radical Islamists.
Monday 25 March at 19:10
– We know who carried out the act, now we want to know who ordered it, says Putin in a televised speech on Monday evening.
He says that the attack was an act intended to intimidate, and that it is now about who benefits from it.
Read more: Such was the attack
Putin has previously linked the attack to Ukraine, and also claims on Monday that the attack is part of Ukraine’s attack on Russia. But neither he nor the other Russian authorities have provided evidence for that.
President of Russia
Ukrainian authorities deny having anything to do with the attack.
There was complete panic during an attack at the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Moscow on Friday night. Several children are said to be among the more than 140 killed, and more than 145 receive treatment in hospital.
The concert hall attack in Moscow
What happened?At least 140 people are said to have been killed in the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Moscow on Friday evening. Russian authorities say they have arrested eleven people after the terrorist attack, of which four people are said to have been directly involved. On Sunday evening, they were produced for remand.
Where did it happen?Crocus City Hall consists of a shopping mall, a concert hall and a theatre. This is a venue that has room for around 6,000 spectators – and according to Russian media, Friday’s concert was sold out.
Why would IS attack Russia?IS views Russia as a key enemy, in part because of Russia’s roles in conflicts in Chechnya and Syria, and its alliances with Iran and the Taliban. The attack comes after a warning from the US about a possible “extremist attack”. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has also warned Norwegians about this.
Has something similar happened before?Yes, Russia has experienced several terrorist attacks in recent decades, also from IS. This has led to stricter control from the authorities.
Soon after, the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group took to its own Telegram channel and claimed they were behind it. According to the New York Times, US spokespersons confirm that they believe IS is behind the attack.
Read more: Experts believe the IS claim about the Moscow attack is credible
It is said to have been the group’s Afghan or Central Asian wing, known as ISKP or IS-K, which was behind it.
Also read: Worried about the IS wing: – By far the most ambitious
