Terror in Moscow: Shooting in Crocus City Hall concert hall, at least 40 dead
Moscow has been shaken by a brutal terrorist attack targeting the Crocus City Hall concert hall in the Krasnogorsk district. At least 40 people lost their lives and over 100 were injured during the assault, which struck terror among the audience who were about to attend a performance by the rock band Picnic.
The attack occurred when a group of armed men, dressed in camouflage gear, stormed the concert hall, indiscriminately opening fire on the audience. According to initial reports, the assailants also threw grenades or incendiary bottles, turning the building into a deadly trap for those attempting to flee.
Russian authorities have launched a terrorism investigation, while the flames engulfing the structure made the task of rescuers even more challenging. Fortunately, around a hundred people were saved, some of whom sought refuge on the roof of the concert hall, although part of it collapsed due to the fire.
As of now, there are no Italians reported among the victims or the injured, but the Italian embassy has promptly mobilized to verify any potential presence. Footage from videos taken during the attack shows the assailants, at least four or five according to various sources, approaching armed towards the entrance of the concert hall and firing at unarmed spectators.
International reactions were swift: the White House expressed condolences for the victims and strongly condemned the attack, while the UN mourned the loss of innocent lives. However, geopolitical tensions also emerge in this context, with mutual accusations between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite the spokesperson for the American National Security Council ruling out Ukrainian involvement in the attack, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened severe reprisals against Kiev, suggesting involvement of terrorists linked to the Ukrainian regime.
This tragic event comes shortly after Russian authorities warned of the possibility of terrorist attacks, citing a previous foiled attempt against a synagogue in the capital. Russian intelligence has indicated the presence of a cell linked to Wilayat Khorasan, the Afghan branch of ISIS, which aims to destabilize various Asian regions.
The attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall represents a severe blow to the city of Moscow.
The article is also available in Italian: Attacco terroristico scuote Mosca: decine di vittime nella sala concerti