Moscow concert toll soars over 140

The death toll of Moscow concert hall soared to 143 as Russian authorities reportedly arrested 11 people allegedly linked to the massacre.

Reuters reported that militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack late on Friday, saying that the armed men escaped after the attack.

A US official said Washington had intelligence confirming Islamic State’s claim.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said the death toll had leapt to 115 from the attack on Crocus City Hall, located in the outskirts of the Russian capital,

Now Putin will Take Revenge of Moscow Crocus City Hall by cleaning ISIS terrorists …✊🇷🇺

India Stand with Russia 🇮🇳🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/8w5wCHSpmb

— Sumit (@SumitHansd) March 23, 2024

This is Russia’s worst terror attack in years.

Gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives, said state news agency Ria.

Russia’s Investigative Committee fear that the death toll could rise and that it was too early to say anything about the fate of the attackers.

About 60 people were in serious condition, health officials said.

#Russia 🇷🇺: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Federal Security Service (#FSB) recovered weapon and ammo from #ISIS militants in #Crocus City Hall in #Moscow.

Very interestingly a rare early variant (Gen 1) modern AK-12 assault rifle and 5.45x39mm magazines & ammo were seized. pic.twitter.com/7kLeVPsLq4

— War Noir (@war_noir) March 23, 2024

Footages show that Crocus City Hall engulfed in flames with at least four gunmen opening fire with automatic weapons as panicked Russians fled for their lives.

Officials said five children were among the victims of the attack.

At least two blasts took place at the concert hall on Friday evening, news agencies reported.

Moreover, Russian authorities had launched a mass manhunt for the gunmen late in the evening, warning residents in Moscow and its suburbs to look out for signs of the attackers.

The Russian government did not immediately identify any of the suspects.