Russia to observe March 24 as day of mourning after 133 killed in Moscow attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced March 24 as the day of mourning in the country after 133 people were killed in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in decades calling it a barbaric terrorist act and vowing a harsh retribution to all those involved in the attack. 

“All four perpetrators of the terrorist attack who shot and killed people have been detained…Terrorists, murderers, non-humans will face the unenviable fate of retribution and oblivion,” Putin said on Saturday.

The dastardly terror attack in a concert hall in Moscow carried out by ISIS terrorists led to 133 deaths and grievously injured over 140 others. 

According to media reports, a few camouflage-clad men entered a Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of the capital Moscow and opened fire on the crowd, leaving over 100 wounded.’ 

The gruesome attack was claimed by the Islamic State who ravaged the packed auditorium at Crocus City Hall on Friday night, as reported by media. 

The attackers used a flammable liquid to start a fire and shot people who had gathered for a concert, reported Hindustan Times.

As per the report, four terrorists have been arrested and although their identity has not been revealed, unconfirmed reports said that the nations from Tajikistan are involved.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s foreign ministry has denied any association with the attack.

The Islamic State’s media arm Amaq, on Saturday, posted a message on messaging app Telegram that the attack was "carried out by four IS fighters armed with machine guns, a pistol, knives and firebombs," as part of "the raging war" with "countries fighting Islam” and apparently posted a photo showing the masked attackers, reported Times of India.

Earlier, Russian authorities pointed fingers at the Ukrainian government for the attack. However, Ukraine strongly denied any involvement. Ukraine's foreign ministry accused Moscow of using the attack to stoke fervor for its war efforts.

The US, the European Union (EU), NATO and India have condemned the attack among others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country stands in solidarity with the people and the government of Russia.

“We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief,” Modi said in a post on X.

“We condemn terrorism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in grieving the loss of life from this horrific event," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said in a statement.