Russia Says 11, Including All 4 Assailants, Arrested As Toll In Moscow Concert Hall Firing Rises To 115

The attack, which occurred at a large concert hall in Moscow, resulted in the death of over 115 people, with more than 100 others sustaining injuries.

A view of damage at Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow.

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: The Kremlin said that the Director of the FSB security service briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the arrest of 11 people, including all four assailants, in connection with the attack at a concert hall in Moscow on Friday, news agency AFP reported.

State news agencies quoted the Kremlin as stating, "The head of the FSB security service Alexander Bortnikov informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about the detention of 11 people, including all four terrorists directly involved in carrying out the attack at Crocus City Hall."

As of now, President Putin has not issued any public statements regarding the attack, and the Russian government has not commented on the Islamic State's claim of responsibility. However, there have been suggestions from certain lawmakers regarding a potential connection to Ukraine.

The attack, which occurred at a large concert hall in Moscow, resulted in the death of over 115 people, with more than 100 others sustaining injuries, according to reports from AP. The assailants entered the venue and indiscriminately fired upon the crowd before setting the premises ablaze.

"The emergency services have found more bodies while removing the rubble. The death toll now stands at 115 people," Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement on Telegram.

It is to be noted that this attack comes close on the heels of President Putin's recent electoral victory, through which he solidified his grip on power in a highly orchestrated landslide.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State group has purportedly claimed responsibility for the attack through statements on affiliated social media channels. According to a report from AP, a US intelligence official said that the Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan had plotted an attack in Moscow, and this information had been relayed to Russian authorities.

Investigators have revealed that fatalities resulted from both gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation as a fire consumed the venue, which has a capacity of 6,000 seats.

"The terrorists used a flammable liquid to set fire to the concert hall's premises, where spectators were located, including wounded," the Investigative Committee said, AFP reported.

Meanwhile, condemning the attack, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken wrote on X, "The United States strongly condemns the March 22 terrorist attack in Moscow. We stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in grieving the loss of life after this horrific event."