Terror Strikes Moscow: ISIS' Shocking Assault on Concert Venue Leaves 60 Dead!

ISIS has claimed responsibility for an attack at a major concert venue complex near Moscow, where armed attackers stormed the venue, leading to the deaths of at least 60 people and injuring 145 others. The group asserted the attack through a statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram, though no evidence was provided to support the claim.

Video footage from the Crocus City Hall shows the complex engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the air. The attackers reportedly opened fire with automatic weapons and threw a grenade or incendiary bomb, starting a fire. 

They then fled in a white Renault car.

State media outlet Russia 24 reported that the roof of the venue partially collapsed. The fire was largely under control more than six hours later, with Moscow governor Andrey Vorobyov stating that while there were still some pockets of fire, it had mostly been eliminated.

This attack, the deadliest in Moscow in decades, occurred less than a week after President Vladimir Putin's re-election. Putin had emphasized national security in his campaign, particularly focusing on the conflict with neighboring Ukraine.

The violence erupted just before a concert by the band Picnic. 

The band's manager confirmed that the performers were unharmed. The Prosecutor General's Office stated that unidentified individuals in camouflage broke into Crocus City Hall and started shooting before the concert began.

Video footage captured the panic as the attack unfolded, with crowds screaming and seeking cover as gunshots rang out. One group had to break windows to escape the gunfire.

A SWAT team responded to the scene, with more than 70 ambulance teams and doctors assisting victims. 145 people were hospitalized, with 60 in serious condition.

Putin was informed about the attack and is being kept updated on the ground measures. The day after the attack, he wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed gratitude to the doctors.

Firefighters evacuated around 100 people from the building, with ongoing rescue efforts to extract people from the roof. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the attack as a "terrible tragedy" and instructed the cancellation of all public events in Moscow for the weekend.

Shaman, the lead singer of Picnic, announced that he would cover the funeral expenses of the victims and the treatment costs of the injured, emphasizing unity in the face of tragedy.

The US embassy in Russia had earlier warned of potential attacks, including at concerts, advising US citizens to avoid large gatherings. Following the attack, the embassy advised against traveling to Russia.

The international community responded with condemnation and sympathy. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families and the Russian people.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.

Ukraine denied any involvement in the attack, with Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stating that Ukraine has never resorted to terrorist methods.

In March alone, Russian authorities thwarted several ISIS-related incidents, including killing six ISIS members, neutralizing a cell planning an attack on a synagogue, and detaining the commander of an ISIS combat group.