Putin Accuses 'Radical Islamists' of Moscow Attacks, Hints at Ukraine Involvement
Defense News ,Russia :- Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged, for the first time, that "radical Islamists" were responsible for the recent assault on a concert hall situated just outside Moscow. However, he hinted at potential involvement from Ukraine as well, as reported by Al Jazeera.
In connection with the March 22 attack on Crocus City Hall, Russian authorities have apprehended 11 individuals. During a televised meeting, Putin asserted, "We know that the crime was committed by the hands of radical Islamists, whose ideology has been a longstanding challenge within the Islamic world."
Putin further suggested a link between the attack and the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, referencing a possible connection to the "neo-Nazi Kyiv regime." He emphasized the need to address why the attackers attempted to flee to Ukraine following the incident, posing questions about who may have awaited them there.
While condemning the planned terrorist attack as an attempt to instill fear, Putin praised the unity and resolve demonstrated in response to the tragedy. Notably, he did not explicitly mention ISIS, despite the group claiming responsibility for the attack.
The Islamic State in Khorasan Province has repeatedly asserted its involvement in the assault since Friday, with affiliated media channels releasing graphic videos of the gunmen during the attack. Additionally, US intelligence has corroborated ISIS's claims.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from assigning blame, urging patience for the results of the ongoing investigation in Russia. He declined to comment on reports of US warnings about a potential attack, citing the confidentiality of such intelligence.
In a subsequent court appearance, four suspects faced charges related to carrying out a "terrorist" attack. Identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizodu, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, they are to remain in detention until at least May 22. One of the accused is a Tajik national, and all four hail from Tajikistan, residing in Russia on either temporary or expired visas.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin affirmed that the investigation is ongoing, pledging that "the perpetrators will be punished" without leniency. Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now serving as deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, advocated for stringent action against the assailants.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the March 22 terror attack claimed the lives of 137 individuals at the Crocus City Hall music venue, with the death toll expected to rise. The Moscow Region Health Ministry reported 182 injuries.
During a televised address, President Putin accused Ukraine of facilitating the attackers' escape, declaring March 24 as a national mourning day. He vowed to identify and punish all those responsible for the attack, asserting that "we already have some results" in the investigation.
The assault occurred as the concert venue, with an estimated capacity of 7,500, was nearing full occupancy ahead of a performance by the Russian rock band Picnic, according to RT news agency. Eyewitnesses described the attackers, clad in military-style gear and armed with assault rifles, opening fire at unarmed security guards before targeting the fleeing crowd.
Once inside the concert hall, the assailants set fire to rows of chairs, causing extensive damage to the building, including its roof. Mobile phone footage and eyewitness accounts captured the chaos and horror of the attack.
Despite prior warnings from the US about potential ISIS threats targeting Russia, Putin dismissed the advice as "provocative." US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson affirmed that the US government shared this information with Russian authorities, adhering to its duty to warn policy.
