Following the tragic attack on a Moscow concert venue that left over 130 people dead, Kyrgyzstan has cautioned its citizens against traveling to Russia unless absolutely necessary. The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the horrific act that took place at the Crocus City Hall, marking one of the deadliest acts of terror in modern Russian history.
Among the victims were at least three children. The Russian Investigative Committee has reported that four suspected gunmen, all foreign nationals, have been detained, and authorities are working on the assumption that 11 individuals in total have been arrested in connection with the attack.
The Basmanny district court has charged four men identified as Tajik citizens – Saidakram Rajabalizoda, Dalerjon Mirzoev, Muhammadsobir Faizov, and Faridun Shamsiddin – with acts of terrorism and ordered them detained pending trial.
Mirzoev, Rajabalizoda, and Shamsiddin reportedly admitted guilt after being charged, while Faizov, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, remained silent with his eyes closed throughout the session. There were signs of abuse, such as bruises and blood smears, on their faces when they arrived in the courtroom. Rajabalizoda was seen with a bandage on his head covering what was reported to be a severed ear, although no official confirmation was given.
Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately cast doubt on the claim by IS, suggesting instead a possible link to Ukraine, despite strong denials from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. officials who stated that “Islamic State bears sole responsibility for this attack. There was no Ukrainian involvement whatsoever.” This assertion was echoed by White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson , who referred to the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) as being responsible.
The Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan issued a warning for its citizens currently in Russia, advising them to stay away from crowded places . Following the attack, regional leaders across Russia have canceled public events, and there are fears of increased repression and possibly even calls to reinstate the death penalty, which has been banned in Russia since 1996.
Meanwhile, the international community, including Pope Francis and leaders from countries such as the U.S., France, and Turkey, have condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims.
Relevant articles:
– Kyrgyzstan Calls On Citizens Not To Travel To Russia
– Putin says ‘radical Islamists’ attacked concert hall, suggests link to Ukraine, The Washington Post, Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:11:00 GMT
– Moscow concert attack: More than 60 reported dead; ISIS claims responsibility, NBC News, Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:54:10 GMT
– Russia Says 4 Foreign Suspects Detained As Death Toll From Concert Attack Reaches 133, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:20:31 GMT