Over 60 Killed And 100 Injured In Moscow Concert Hall; ISIS Claims Responsibility (X image@Fozia7272)

Over 60 killed and 114 injured after gunmen opened fire at Moscow concert hall, Crocus City Hall, said Russian authorities. US said the Islamic State group claimed responsibility of the attack. The attack is considered to be the deadliest in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, where more than 1000 people were killed.

Reportedly, the attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the building and opened fire. Grenades or incendiary bombs were also said to be used during the attack. Videos from the scene showed flames and black smoke erupting from the building. Three helicopters were used to put out the fire. According to Russian state media, RIA Novosti, the attackers opened fire from automatic weapons.

Many people hid behind the seat or ran towards the entrances to the basement or the roof to escape the bullet shower. The fire had been contained shortly after midnight.

Several countries including India, France, Spain, Italy and the European Union condemned the attack. Ukraine said Kyiv had “nothing to do” with the attack. The country’s military intelligence called the attack as a Russian “provocation” and said that Moscow special services were behind the attack.

US embassy had warned that there was a risk of “extremists” targeting mass gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, two weeks before, said the White House National Security Council, Adrienne Watson. “Earlier this month, the US government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia. The US government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy”, she said.