Russia terrorist attack condemnations continue; death toll hits 137

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Mar 2024 15:42

More countries express their condemnation of the terrorist attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall concert venue, offering their deepest condolences to the leadership and the people of Russia.

This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Russian Investigative Committee on March 23, 2024, shows a law enforcement officer standing inside the Crocus City Hall, a day after a gun attack in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow. (Handout/RUSSIAN INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE/AFP)

Following the terrorist attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall concert venue, resulting in the death of 137 civilians, more countries issued statements condemning the atrocious act.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un expressed condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by North Korean state-run news agency KCNA.

The report highlighted Kim Jong Un's affirmation of DPRK's stance on combating terrorism in all its forms, alongside his confidence in Russia's ability to swiftly restore stability and security in the aftermath of the attack.

On his account, Pope Francis has conveyed his solidarity with the families of the victims of the terrorist attack at a concert venue close to Moscow, offering assurances that he is praying for the deceased.

"I assure you that I pray for the victims of the despicable terrorist attack in Moscow. May God welcome them into His peace and comfort their families," the Pope said.

In the same context, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has denounced the terrorist assault on the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, affirming that terrorists "have no nationality," amid reports of the assailants being Tajik nationals, according to the press service of the Tajik leader.

“In the course of the phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon strongly condemned the brutal bloody terrorist act in the Crocus City Hall complex, stressing that terrorists have no nationality, nor homeland, nor religion. In the sad hour of national mourning in the Russian Federation Emomali Rahmon emphasized solidarity of Tajik nationals with the brotherly Russian people,” the press service said.

The press service further noted that the Tajik leader reiterated his commitment to close collaboration with Russia in combating terrorism, extremism, and religious radicalism.

With the death toll standing at 137, the Russian Emergencies Ministry for the Moscow Region said, on Sunday, that "as a result of the terrorist attack, 285 people (including eight children) were injured."

Putin vows punishment over Moscow concert massacre

The Russian authorities have arrested 11 individuals in connection to the Crocus City Hall concert massacre that took place on Friday, including the four suspected gunmen allegedly responsible for the massacre.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a televised address in which he assured the nation that those behind the attack would face justice.

Crocus City Hall in Moscow was the venue of a horrifying shooting and subsequent fire, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, Russian authorities confirmed on Friday.

The incident has sparked global condemnation, with officials terming it a "bloody terrorist attack."

Gunshots were heard in the concert hall shortly before flames engulfed it. The Federal Security Service (FSB) reported fatalities and injuries in the wake of the assault.

The gunmen were apprehended while attempting to flee toward the Ukraine border.