On the evening of Friday, March 22, 2024, at around 8:00 p.m. Moscow time (UTC+3), unknown terrorists armed with submachine guns entered the “Crocus Concert Hall” in the Russian city of Krasnogorsk, northwest of Moscow, and opened fire the people waiting there for a rock concert by the group “PikNik”. The building was then set on fire with Molotov cocktails.
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What happened?
The Crocus Concert Hall, known for its cultural events and concerts, went from a place of joy to one of horror in one evening. Armed attackers entered the hall and opened fire on the unsuspecting visitors who had gathered there for a rock concert by the group “PikNik”. The attackers not only used firearms on the crowd, but also set fires with Molotov cocktails, which led to the fire quickly spreading to the upper floors and the roof. The result of this cruel act was devastating: more than 90 people lost their lives, including children, while the number of injured varies between 100 and 145.
The perpetrators and the search
In the hours after the attack, a feverish search for the perpetrators began. The morning after the attack, Russian security authorities arrested eleven people, four of whom were directly linked to the attack. The Islamic State jihadist militia claimed responsibility for the attack through its official channels. The arrests came after an intensive manhunt, including a chase that led to the capture of the suspects.
Reactions and consequences
The reaction to the attack was one of horror and sympathy both nationally and internationally. The Russian government strongly condemned the attack and announced that it would strengthen security measures in the country. At the same time, the Islamic State's rapid claim of responsibility and the subsequent spread of disinformation and contrary claims triggered a wave of speculation and uncertainty.
Background and controversies
The Crocus Concert Hall tragedy adds to a disturbing series of events that raise questions about the security situation in Russia and the nature of such attacks. President Vladimir Putin had hinted at the possibility of a terrorist act on Russian soil just days before the attack, increasing speculation about prior knowledge of such threats. The attack is also reminiscent of a recurring pattern of so-called “false flag” operations that Russia has been accused of in the past in order to justify political measures or military actions. Here are 2 examples from 2002 and 2004 .
Russian authorities announced shortly before the attack that they had neutralized an ISIS cell that had planned an attack on a Moscow synagogue, raising concerns about the presence and activity of terrorist groups in the country. However, the rapid attribution of blame to the Islamic State and subsequent arrest of suspects raises questions about investigative effectiveness and possible hasty conclusions.
Furthermore, the claims of various Russian and international media outlets blaming Ukraine or ISIS-CP groups from Afghanistan without any substantiated evidence have created an atmosphere of disinformation and political tension. These contradictory reports do not help to clarify the situation. In addition, Ukraine vigorously rejects the rapid unfounded accusations through a press statement from the Foreign Ministry in Kiev.
Conclusion on the terrorist attack
The attack on the Crocus Concert Hall stands as a grim testimony to the ongoing, opaque threat posed by internationally interconnected terrorism. As the facts gradually emerge and the world waits for answers, the need for a coordinated and transparent response to such tragedies remains undeniable. It is essential that the international community work together to address the root causes of terrorism, while remaining vigilant against the dangers of disinformation and premature accusations.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )