Crocus City Hall attack has caused 62 deaths and 145 injuries. Russia was attacked by terrorists after nearly a decade, thus making it one of the deadliest attacks in the last ten years. Terrorist group, ISIS claims responsibility for the attack amidst Russia’s speculations of Ukraine being behind it.
Details of the Crocus City Hall Terrorist Attack
The Crocus City Hall Shooting has left everyone in shock. Russia has been free of terrorist attacks for quite a long time. This incident occurred out of nowhere at 8:00 pm on Friday, 22nd March.
Five gunmen donning camouflaged combat fatigues penetrated Crocus City Hall where a musical performance by Picnic was about to begin. The venue was sold out with around 9,000 people attending the concert.
Unfortunately, the guards at the venue were unarmed, allowing the assailants’ smooth entry. The guards were the first people who were killed on the spot in the terrible shooting attack.
The Islamist militants opened fire at the crowd murdering over 60 people and leaving around 145 injured. They also launched a series of explosives causing more fear and havoc. Sadly, according to the Russian news reports, the death toll may rise if the critical patients fail to survive.
Russia’s foreign ministry stated it was a terrorist attack and the claim was backed by the US government. They confirmed that The Islamic State (IS), a terrorist organization formed by Jihadists was responsible for the planned attack. They hail from the Khorasan Province (IS-KP) situated in Afghanistan. The attack was confirmed through a broadcasting on Amaq News Agency through Telegram.
In a series of unfortunate events, the sold-out venue members saw all hell break loose. The attackers, who were masked and described as having beards, used automatic weapons and petrol bombs to terrorize and injure the victims. Several raw footages of the incident were uploaded to social media – some showing the terrorists walking around with their weapons, others recording the shrill shooting sounds with the haunting shrieks of bystanders.
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The attack worsened around 9:32 pm when explosions were heard – hence, damaging the roof, setting the hall in flames, and sending out huge clouds of smoke in the air. The gunmen continued shooting after barricading themselves inside the building.
The attack occurred just hours after the Russian military attacked Ukraine’s biggest hydroelectric plant – cutting off electricity in many parts of the country.
Specialized Units’ Response to the Crocus Concert Hall Shooting
Almost instantaneously, Russia’s specialized units and emergency services, SOBR and OMON arrived at the scene. They successfully helped evacuate the people inside the venue. Nearly 100 people were trapped in the basement, others sought refuge in the parking lot or the rooftop. The surrounding shopping centers also housed sufficient fleeing victims, all of whom were escorted out with the help of specialized forces.
Meanwhile, the Russian National Guard was sent on a mission to ambush the assailants. Unfortunately, they fled in a white Renault.
Causalities of the Crocus City Hall Shooting
Medical helicopters and nearly 70 ambulances carried the injured and murdered people from the scene. Dozens of firetrucks also rushed to the scene to mitigate the damage.
According to the Russian Health Minister, Mikhail Murasko 62 people were killed, 145 injured, 5 people are in critical condition, 60 people have sustained serious injuries, and five children are also injured – they were performing in a ballroom dancing competition at the venue.
Moscow City Duma Chairman, Alexey Shaposhnikov has encouraged people to come together in these trying times and donate blood to save their fellow citizens. Blood banks in the region will be working around the clock collecting and screening blood from donors.
Significant Events Leading Up to the Attack
Before this incident, the FSB, Federal Security Service of Russia had successfully intervened in a terrorist attack by The Islamic State on a synagogue in Moscow.
It occurred on 7th March and the US intelligence agencies and their National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson, Adrienne Watson warned the Russians of similar imminent plans of terrorist attacks, hence discouraging large gatherings. They launched a security alert on their official page.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin disregarded the warnings labeling them as “outright blackmail.” But he also commanded the FSB to reinforce and strengthen their anti-terrorist operations. He fervently dismissed the claims saying “I’ll remind you of recent, let’s say directly, provocative statements of certain official Western structures about potential terror attacks in Russia,” Putin said.
“All of this looks like obvious blackmail and an attempt to intimidate, and destabilize our country,” he said while addressing the domestic security agency, FSB, and counter – terrorism agency.
Current Measures to Counter Any Future Terrorist Attacks in Russia
The government has implemented measures to limit movement across the city. All public places such as shopping centers, schools, and libraries are on high alert. The public is encouraged to stay back home and limit crowding as much as possible. Security measures at trains and airports are tightened according to Russian officials. As for the assailants, their whereabouts remain unknown despite specialized operations running till 2:00 am after the attack.
Western embassies have condemned the attack and called it a terrible tragedy. The incident is reminiscent of the deadly terror attacks on Russia in the past. In October 2002 and September 2004, Chechen militants launched a similar deadly attack on Southern Russia. They took around 800 people hostage. The brazen attack is a reminder of the past events and the fear around it.
