In a tragic turn of events, a shooting took place at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, killing at least 60 people and wounding 100 more,This figure is confirmed by the Russian security services.
They have identifies at least four attackers clad in camouflage gear that took part in the shooting, in the north-west suburb of Krasnogorsk.
Crocus City Hall was planned to host a rock concert when the gunmen burst into the foyer of the building.
Much of the building was engulfed by fire and part of the roof collapsed.
Children are said to be among the deaths and the Russian foreign ministry has condemned a “terrorist attack”.
Militant group Islamic State said it was behind the attack.
US statements on Moscow
US officials told that it had obtained intelligence that showed IS had wanted to attack Russia.
The White House said it had warned Russia earlier this month of plans for a potential attack in Moscow targeting “large gatherings”.
Two weeks ago, the USA embassy had put out a warning to all US citizens to avoid large gatherings, saying it was monitoring reports that “extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow”. It updated its advice on Friday evening, urging US citizens to avoid the vicinity of the attack
White House John Kirby said the images of the shooting were “horrible and hard to watch”.
“Our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack,” he said.
Any places of high gatherings should be avoided from visit as they could be places of threat for the shootings.
More than 6,000 Russians had flocked to the Crocus City Hall retail and concert complex for a concert by rock group Picnic. One witness said the violence erupted minutes before the band were due to come on stage. Picnic’s band members themselves were unharmed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet directly addressed the nation, but according to one of his deputies has wished those injured a speedy recovery.
A security guard made the following statements-
“There were three other security guards and they hid behind an advertising board,” he told Russian telegram channel Baza.
“And those attackers passed 10m [30ft] away from us – they started shooting randomly at people on the ground floor.”
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