In a horrifying assault that has sent shockwaves across Moscow, gunmen clad in combat fatigues unleashed a devastating onslaught at the heart of the city’s entertainment scene. At Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, where anticipation filled the air for a performance by the esteemed rock band Picnic, the evening took a tragic turn as at least 143 lives were brutally cut short, with a staggering 187 individuals left wounded. The assailants, numbering at least five and armed with automatic weapons, infiltrated the bustling concert hall in the western suburbs, mercilessly firing into the unsuspecting crowd. Their sinister intent was further underscored by the detonation of explosives, igniting a blaze that engulfed the venue in chaos and despair.
Amid the horror and devastation, the claim of responsibility by the ISIS-K group has sent tremors of fear and outrage through the city. As authorities grapple with the aftermath of this heinous act, questions loom over the motivations behind this ruthless assault and the safety of Moscow’s populace in the face of such brazen violence.
A Brief on ISIS-K
ISIS-K, also known as the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) or ISIL-K, is a regional affiliate of the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, or ISIL), a Islamist militant group. They operate primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan, aiming to establish a caliphate based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Why Moscow was Chosen as Target? Why Now?
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About the Author
Shrabana Kundu is a staff writer at The Viyug. She is currently pursuing Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations at Amity University. She holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science & Government from Calcutta University.