4 Crocus attack perpetrators, with Ukrainian contacts, arrested: FSB
11 Min Read
The Russian people continue to support each other amid the rising death toll and pain as more countries, organizations, and citizens across the world show support for Russia.
-
People light candles in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Moscow, in the center of in the center of Simferopol, in Crimea, Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP)
The Russian authorities arrested two suspects in the terrorist attack. targeting the Crocus City Hall complex, the Russian news agency TASS reported earlier today.
Later, Russia's FSB security service told President Vladimir Putin that 11 people had been detained following Friday's deadly attack near Moscow, including four people directly involved, Interfax cited the Kremlin as saying on Saturday.
It said FSB security service chief Alexander Bortnikov had reported to President Vladimir Putin that those detained included "four terrorists" and that the service was working to identify their accomplices.
Russia's Investigative Committee said the death toll rose to 115 from the attack in which camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers near the capital on Friday.
Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein said the attackers had fled in a Renault vehicle that was spotted by police in the Bryansk region, about 340 km (210 miles) southwest of Moscow on Friday night, and disobeyed instructions to stop.
While two were arrested after a car chase, two others fled into a forest, but they were later caught and arrested as confirmed by the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Interfax quoted the FSB security service as saying that four suspects directly involved in the deadly attack near Moscow on Friday were heading toward Russia's border with Ukraine when they were apprehended early on Saturday.
They had contacts on the Ukrainian side, the security service confirmed, adding that the attack had been carefully planned and the perpetrators had weapons prepared in advance in a cache.
"After committing the terrorist attack, the criminals intended to cross the Russian-Ukrainian border and had relevant contacts on the Ukrainian side of the border," the FSB said, confirming that work is underway to determine all the circumstances of the incident.
On his part, Russian lawmaker and former general Andrei Kartapolov was quoted by Ria Novosti as saying that if Ukraine is found to be behind Friday's attack that killed at least 93 people near Moscow there should be a clear answer on the battlefield.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in a short statement released by Amaq, an ISIS-affiliated news agency, on Telegram on March 22 without giving any evidence.
Following the terrorist attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, more countries issued statements condemning the atrocious act, and Russian people have stood by each other in solidarity amid all physical and mental harm.
Iran, China
The Iranian President, Ibrahim Raisi, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Moscow as he saluted the efforts put in by the Russian authorities to ensure Russia's national security.
The president also urged the international community to take serious action and hold the designers and perpetrators of this attack accountable.
Moreover, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow as he called on the international community to take action in a post on X on March 22: "I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attack in Moscow expressing condolences to the families of the victims, and to my colleague Sergei Lavrov, the government, and the people of Russia in connection with this tragic terrorist attack."
"The joint and effective fight against terrorism requires serious and non-discriminatory action on the part of the international community," he stressed.
اقدام تروریستی اخیر در شهر مسکو را قویا محکوم کرده، ضمن ابراز همدردی با خانواده های جان باختگان، به همكارم سرگی لاورف، دولت و ملت روسیه این حادثه تلخ را تسلیت می گویم.
— H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان (@Amirabdolahian) March 22, 2024
مبارزه مشترک و موثر با #تروریسم، نیازمند اقدام جدی و بدون تبعیض جامعه بین المللی است.
As for China, Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter of condolences as revealed by the state-run Chinese broadcaster today.
The broadcaster quoted the letter stating "China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns the terrorist attack, and firmly supports the efforts of the Russian authorities to maintain national security."
“On behalf of the government and people of China, I would like to express my deep condolences over the deaths, and also express my sincere sympathy to the victims and their families,” the Chinese President emphasized.
Palestinian presidency
Moreover, according to the official WAFA news agency, the presidency of the Palestinian Authority condemned the attack on Moscow and "affirmed its solidarity and support for the Russian leadership and the friendly people of Russia, emphasizing its keenness on stability in the friendly Russian Federation."
Lebanon and Syria
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sent today his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the victims of the horrible terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall near Moscow.
In a cable, the President stressed, “We express our deep regret for the victims and injuries of the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Crocus City Hall near Moscow," adding, "We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to their families and relatives.”
“The cowardly attack that targeted innocent civilians shows a complete failure to make the Russian people abandon their principles or their adherence to the sovereignty of their country and the independence of its decision, and it is directly related to the cruel and painful defeats inflicted by the neo-Nazis and their supporters as a result of the special military operation in Donbass,” al-Assad added.
He further stressed, "While we condemn this barbaric act and all the bloodshed committed by terrorists anywhere in the world, we reaffirm our determination to continue with you in our common fight against cross-border terrorism.”
“We extend Our heartfelt condolences to you, asking God to have mercy for the victims, and for the injured a quick recovery," he expressed.
As for Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Lebanon strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow.
“Lebanon’s solidarity with the Federal Republic of Russia and its categorical rejection and complete condemnation of this criminal act, and stressed the importance of bringing its perpetrators to justice and punishing them,” the ministry said in a statement.
Lebanon further sent its deepest condolences to the government and people of Russia, hoping for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
US, EU, Japan
The White House revealed that it was attempting to get more information on the attack as it sent its condolences to the victims of the "terrible shooting attack."
National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby announced to reporters, "Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible shooting attack," emphasizing that "the images are just horrible and just hard to watch."
The White House also revealed that the US, earlier this month, had warned Russian authorities about a "planned terrorist attack" possibly targeting "large gatherings" in Moscow.
As for the EU, it expressed that it was "shocked and appalled" by what happened in Moscow.
The EU Spokesperson said, "The EU condemns any attacks against civilians. Our thoughts are with all those Russian citizens affected."
According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Kobayashi Maki, Japan also denounced the attack on Moscow, as it sent its condolences to the bereaved and expressed "its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured."
Germany and UK
On his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned today "the terrible terrorist attack against innocent spectators at a concert in Moscow."
"Our thoughts are with the victims' families and all those wounded," Scholz stressed on X.
Wir verurteilen den schrecklichen Terrorangriff auf unschuldige Konzertbesucher in Moskau. Unsere Gedanken sind mit den Angehörigen der Opfer und allen Verletzten.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) March 23, 2024
Moreover, Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock also denounced "cowardly and inhumane terror, wherever it is found" and expressed solidarity with the victims' families.
"Innocent people who simply wanted to go to a rock concert were murdered in cold blood," she posted on X, emphasizing, "With all our hearts we are with Russia's inhabitants."
Wir trauern mit den Familien der Opfer des Anschlags bei #Moskau. Unschuldige Menschen, die einfach nur zu einem Rockkonzert gehen wollten, wurden kaltblütig ermordet. Wir verurteilen feigen, unmenschlichen Terror - an jedem Ort. Den Menschen in Russland gilt unser Mitgefühl.
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) March 23, 2024
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck also sent his "condolences to the victims and their families," urging authorities to "quickly shed light on the context" of this attack.
The UK also condemned "in the strongest terms the deadly terrorist attack" at a concert hall in Moscow.
Foreign Minister David Cameron posted on X today: "We offer our heartfelt condolences and express our deepest sympathy to the families of the many victims," adding, "Nothing can ever justify such horrific violence."
The UK condemns in the strongest terms the deadly terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 23, 2024
We offer our heartfelt condolences and express our deepest sympathy to the families of the many victims.
Nothing can ever justify such horrific violence.
Spain, Venezuela, Mexico
Spain stated that it was "dismayed" by the attack, stressing that it "condemns any form of violence."
The Spanish Foreign Ministry posted on X on March 22: "Our solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Russian people."
We are dismayed by the news coming from Russia. Our solidarity is with the victims, their families, and the Russian people. Spain condemns any form of violence.
— Spain MFA (@SpainMFA) March 22, 2024
As for Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro condemned the attack on Moscow and sent his condolences to the families of all the victims, as he further added on X on March 22: "We express our support for President Vladimir Putin and raise our voice to categorically reject any act of violence."
Condenamos contundentemente el ataque terrorista perpetrado en el recinto de conciertos Crocus City Hall, en Moscú. Enviamos nuestras condolencias a los familiares de las víctimas y al pueblo de Rusia. Desde Venezuela expresamos el apoyo al presidente Vladímir Putin y alzamos la…
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) March 22, 2024
Mexico's Foreign Affairs Ministry also said that it "rejects any act of violence against civilian lives."
India and Comoros
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" in a post on X, adding "India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief."
As for Comoros, it condemned today the terrorist attack on Moscow as the President's Advisor Hamada Madi, also known as "Bolero", told Sputnik that the country condemns the "vile terrorist attack," especially when an organization claiming it is "Islamic" commits such a disgraceful act in Ramadan.
He added that Comoros knows well the strength of the Russian people and is confident that they will heal and go back to the normal course under the leadership of the authorities responsible for the security of this "great country".
Interpol offers its services
Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock, today, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Moscow, adding that Interpol is ready to aid the Russian authorities in the relevant investigation.
In a post on X, he stressed: "I strongly condemn the attack at the Crocus City Hall which was a terrible act against innocent civilians. Our thoughts are with the victims, and their families and friends. INTERPOL is ready to provide support to the investigation by Russian authorities."
I strongly condemn the attack at the Crocus City Hall which was a terrible act against innocent civilians.
— Jürgen Stock (@INTERPOL_SG) March 23, 2024
Our thoughts are with the victims, and their families and friends.
INTERPOL is ready to provide support to the investigation by Russian authorities.
Russian people combat their losses by solidarity
According to data on victim hospitalizations released by Moscow Region’s Health Ministry today, at least three children have been killed in the terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall near Moscow.
The data revealed that there were three children and two men enlisted in the "biological death" section of the register.
Governor of the Moscow Region Andrey Vorobyov revealed on Telegram that the spill of structures perpetuates in the Crocus City Hal and individual fires are ongoing, however, the fire has been mostly extinguished.
“Currently, the spill of structures continues. There are still some pockets of fire, but the fire has been mostly extinguished,” he wrote.
Regardless of the pain and physical and mental impact of the terrorist attack, the Russian people continue to support each other. In one act of solidarity, a RIA Novosti video shows a line of people who went to donate blood in groups ever since this morning and less than 24 hours since the attack.
EXCLUSIVE 🚨🚨
— Reality Talks (@RealityTallk) March 23, 2024
In Moscow, already in the morning there is a line outside the donor centers. After the terrorist attack at Crocus, people went to donate blood en masse.
RIA Novosti video#MoscowAttack #Moscow #Russia #Moskou pic.twitter.com/BEq4Pjfu5N
Nationals of various countries stand by Russia
A Sputnik correspondent in Washington, D.C., reported that several dozen people participated in a memorial service at the Russian church in the US capital to pray for the victims of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow on March 22 around 9 pm EST local time.
Archpriest Victor Potapov, the rector of the Russian Orthodox St. John the Baptist in Washington, led this service.
The multi-national parishioners, including people from Russia, the United States, Ethiopia, and Kazakhstan, among others, were deeply disturbed and shaken up by the attack in Moscow.
Another act of solidarity took place in New York in front of the Russian consulate building as people held a vigil.
In front of the Russian Consulate building in New York, citizens bring candles and light candles after the terrorist attack in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/QmnMAr05AB
— S p r i n t e r F a c t o r y (@Sprinterfactory) March 23, 2024
