Amid the shocking aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack near the Russian capital Moscow over the weekend, European countries need to remain vigilant, UK Finance Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement. with local media on March 24.
On the same day March 24, 3 days after the attack at the Crocus City Hall complex on the outskirts of the capital, killing at least 2 people, Russian authorities released video footage of terrorist suspects. The father was blindfolded and brought into the country's Investigation Committee headquarters in Moscow.
Four gunmen suspected of being involved in the terrorist attack, including Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, were also seen appearing in court with bruised and swollen faces.
Rachabalizoda's ear was bandaged after it was said to have been partially severed during the arrest. Fayzov appeared in a wheelchair and appeared to be missing an eye, according to Reuters.
Three of the four, except Fayzov, admitted their guilt after being charged. They will all be detained until at least May before being tried.
Russian state media reported the arrest and interrogation of suspects following a police chase in which a branch of the extremist group ISIS claimed responsibility in three videos and text messages. various since late March 3 after the horrific tragedy occurred, including posting images of the four terrorists, as well as a graphic video of the gunmen entering the lobby of Crocus City Hall and opened fire on innocent civilians.
Authorities present at the scene outside Crocus City Hall, Moscow region, March 23, 3. Photo: NY Times
Damage from the fire at Crocus City Hall is seen on the morning of March 23, 3. Photo: NY Times
Professor Anthony Glees, a terrorism expert at the University of Buckingham (UK), said "the success of the attack from IS-K's perspective" makes this type of terrorism "strongly imitative". stronger".
Describing the deaths of civilians as a “tragedy”, UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said that after the incident in Russia, the jihadist group still maintained the ability to organize major atrocities. However, Mr. Hunt condemned Russia when the Kremlin linked the incident to Ukraine.
Speaking to the nation on March 23, after the bloodiest attack in the country in two decades, Russian President Vladimir Putin said a total of 3 people were detained and he asserted that whoever ordered Attacking Crocus City Hall will be punished accordingly.
While Russian authorities have not commented on IS's claim of responsibility, Mr. Putin said those who acted directly were arrested while they were trying to flee to Ukraine. The Russian leader said: "Based on preliminary information, the opportunity to cross the border has been prepared for them by the Ukrainian side."
Ukraine quickly dismissed Russia's claims as completely absurd. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address on March 23 that the Russian President was trying to shift blame for the massacre at the concert hall.
The US also declared Ukraine innocent. US Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview with ABC Radio on March 23: "What we know is that ISIS-K is indeed responsible for what happened."
The Islamic State – Khorasan (ISIS-K) branch, named after an area encompassing parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, is known for brutality, including claiming responsibility for bombings committed suicide at the Russian Embassy in Kabul in 2022.
People on March 23, 3 bring flowers to a makeshift memorial for victims of the terrorist attack in Moscow. Photo: NY Times
Location of terrorist attack in Moscow region, Russia, March 22, 3. Graphics: The Guardian
In Paris, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on March 24 raised the terrorism alert in the country to the highest level. Previously, French President Emanuel Macron held an emergency security meeting. The shooting in Moscow happened just three months before Paris hosted the Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, families and friends of those still missing after the Moscow attack are still waiting for news about their loved ones as Russia observes a national day of mourning on March 24. According to state news agency RIA Novosti, other cultural events were cancelled, flags were flown at half-mast and entertainment activities and television advertising were suspended.
A huge pile of flowers was piled at a makeshift memorial near Crocus City Hall. As rescuers continue to search the damaged building and the death toll rises as more bodies are found, some families still don't know whether relatives who attended the event targeted by the gunmen are still alive. or not.
Health officials in Moscow said they have begun identifying the bodies of the dead through DNA testing and are expected to take at least two weeks to complete..
Minh Đức (According to The Independent, 9News, Reuters)
