A horrific attack at a music hall in suburban Moscow has left over 130 people dead, shocking the world and prompting calls for increased security measures. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, with accusations that they were attempting to flee to Ukraine.
The Islamic State (IS) group in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of involvement. Despite Putin’s claims, U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed IS involvement in the attack.
The gunmen involved in the attack have been identified as citizens of Tajikistan, leading to calls from Russian hard-liners for a crackdown on Tajik migrants. However, Putin has rejected this idea, emphasizing that the attackers were not representative of all Tajik migrants.
Sunday has been declared a day of mourning for the victims of the attack, with additional security measures being imposed in response. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow had issued a warning of imminent attacks two weeks prior to the tragedy, raising questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place.
Videos of the attack show the gunmen shooting civilians at point-blank range, sparking outrage and support for the victims from around the world. The IS affiliate in Afghanistan responsible for the attack has a history of violence in Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and Iraq, with recent attempts by security forces to thwart their plans.
The incident has also strained relations between Russia and Ukraine, with Putin claiming the attackers were trying to escape to Ukraine, a claim denied by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. As investigations continue and the world mourns the victims, the importance of global cooperation in combating terrorism has been emphasized.
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