Russia announced the capture of all four suspects linked to a devastating shooting at a concert venue near Moscow, which resulted in at least 143 fatalities.
President Vladimir Putin has vowed to identify and penalize those responsible for orchestrating the assault.
The Islamic State, a recognized militant Islamist group, has claimed responsibility for the carnage, marking it as the deadliest attack on Russian soil in two decades. Despite this, Russian authorities are exploring potential connections to Ukraine, a notion firmly rejected by Ukrainian officials.
Governor Andrei Vorobyov of the Moscow region reported the recovery of 133 bodies from the debris within 24 hours, while efforts are ongoing to save 107 injured individuals. The state’s investigation indicates that the assailants attempted to flee towards Ukraine, where they were apprehended near the border.
While Russia emphasizes the pursuit of justice against “international terrorism,” there’s no public evidence linking the attack to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United States and other Western nations, despite strained relations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have condemned the attack, extending condolences to the Russian populace.
As investigations proceed, security measures have been heightened across Russia, reflecting the gravity of the incident and the imperative to prevent future acts of terrorism.