The extremist attack on a concert hall in Moscow, Russia, has become an event that has shaken the world. This can be considered another case where the human heart of the global community is shaking regardless of political opinions.
This attack, which happened a few weeks after Vladimir Putin was elected as the President of Russia for the fifth time, has caused a strong shock in the country politically. The attack on the night of the 22nd was the worst attack on civilians in Moscow in many years.
However, this attack also brought to mind the incident in 2002 when 40 Chechen fighters entered a theatre in the capital and took more than 900 people hostage.
How did the attackers get into
A group of gunmen attacked a concert hall located on the outskirts of Moscow. 137 victims have lost their lives so far, and the injured are close to 100. According to Russian reports, four gunmen who carried out the shooting came dressed in military uniforms. And entered Crocus City Hall and burst into the audience.
American warnings ignored?
The concert hall was entirely gutted by the gunmen, and shortly after the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.
It has been known about a plan earlier through intelligence information. The American Intelligence Unit has also confirmed this. However, Russia still needs to provide proper information in this regard, and the Russian Internal Security Service has indicated that operations have been expanded to capture the attackers.
The United States has issued a warning to the Russians about two weeks ago. It has been advised to refrain from attending large gatherings, and a warning has been given that there is a risk of an extremist attack targeting large gatherings.
Horrific experiences of eyewitnesses
However, without paying proper attention to these warnings, they arranged a fiery music concert with the rock band Picnic. It is also said that around 7000 people came to participate.
Eyewitnesses stated that the attack took place when the band was about to take the stage. They said that the armed assailants came close to the stage and opened fire, and the people ran away.
As a result of the gunfire, fires broke out in several places in the hall, and at the same time, a lot of smoke started to spread. According to the eyewitnesses of the incident, the assailants hurled petrol bombs or similar attacks.
Considering it an emergency, all events are cancelled
A few moments after the attack, police and ambulances arrived, and rescue operations began. By then, the people who faced the incident believed the attackers may have completed their goals and fled.
Considering this situation as a threat to Russia, the authorities have cancelled all events with public participation, including festivals and concerts in the country’s main cities.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has announced this is a terrible tragedy. Ukraine also issued a quick statement saying it had nothing to do with this attack.
Mykhailo Podolyak, Presidential Adviser of Ukraine, issued a special announcement saying that all war plans, including their operations, have been limited to the battlefield.
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) The organisation claims responsibility for the attack
Due to this attack on a theatre in Russia, killing 137 people, Russia had taken steps to declare the last 24th as a day of national mourning.
The Islamic State or ISIS. The argument emerged after the organisation issued a statement claiming responsibility for this attack. Why does ISIS need to make such an attack on Russia? However, ISIS did release video footage showing how the attack was carried out.
11 arrested, including attackers
Russia says 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with this incident. Russia announced that the four people who allegedly entered the theatre and carried out the shooting were amongst them.
Russia has said that it was discovered that the suspects were fleeing towards Ukraine, and the operations were planned accordingly. President Vladimir Putin has emphasised that they could be arrested according to that plan. He also warned that those responsible would be severely punished.
A moment when the Russian security forces were anaesthetised
In the meantime, some have pointed out that this attack can be considered a case where the Russian security forces were anaesthetised.
Enquiries are ongoing as to what the powerful Russian security forces have done with the country’s security. Regarding this horrible attack, it is in this background that the Russian government emphasises that it will not remain silent.
It can be recognised as a clear fact that an opinion is being presented that a rally against extremism should be represented through Russia instead of Ukraine.
