Russian authorities say at least 93 people were killed and over 145 wounded in Moscow concert hall in what is considered the worst terrorist attack in years. Gunmen and combatants reportedly opened fire and detonated explosives in the music venue packed with people.
Initially, Russia’s state news agency TASS, while quoting the Federal Security Service (FSB), reported that at least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured when gunmen stormed a large concert hall in Moscow and opened fire on the crowd. The state news agency Ria later said that the death toll had climbed to 60 along with 145 critically injured. Another state-owned news agency subsequently reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been told that the death toll has risen to 93. Putin was also informed that at least 11 suspects have been detained, four of whom are directly involved in the attack.
According to Russian news agencies, the attackers also used explosives, which resulted in a fire in Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow. “At least four to five heavily armed assailants opened fire at Crocus City Hall, causing the roof of the building to collapse,” Russian media reported.
The Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the terror attack and said that the attackers escaped unhurt after conducting the operation. “It targeted a large gathering of Christians in the city,” the group said.
Crocus City Hall was about to host a musical program with thousands of people attending when gunmen stormed the compound. The Government imposed a Curfew following the major attack on the capital city.