143 killed in terrorist attack in Russia; 145 injured

  • Death toll likely to rise
  • Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack

Moscow (Russia) – At least 90 people have been killed and more than 145 injured in an attack by Islamic State terrorists in a concert hall in the Russian capital Moscow. The death toll is likely to increase as most of the injured are in the critical condition. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. Russia has experienced such major terrorist attacks in the past too.

1. 6,000 people were present in the auditorium during this concert when 6-7 terrorists entered the hall and fired indiscriminately using rifles. They were firing for about 15 to 20 minutes. Many people were killed on the spot. These terrorists also detonated explosions and set fire in the auditorium. All of them were in the uniform of the soldiers.

2. According to Russian media reports, the terrorists first opened fire on the security guards outside the hall and then entered the hall. Russian soldiers reached there soon after getting information about the attack. They started operation against terrorists. The operation is still ongoing. It is not yet clear how many terrorists were killed in this operation. The Russian Defence Minister has said that the Russian army has retaliated against the terrorists.

3. Security has been tightened at airports, railway stations and various cities in Russia following the attack. The mayor of Moscow has canceled all events in the city and theatres and museums in the city have been closed for 2 days.

Putin condemned America after the U.S. Embassy provided prior warning of the attack

The US embassy in Russia had already hinted at the possibility of such an attack. The embassy had urged US citizens in Russia not to attend any large gatherings for the next 48 hours. Putin condemned the US embassy for issuing this warning.

Ukraine issues clarification

Although the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Russia, it is being claimed that Ukraine is behind it. Ukraine has clarified and rejected all the allegations. Also, Ukraine has said that there is a conspiracy to defame it at the international level. Currently, Putin has not made any statement on this attack.

Attack on major Christian event – Islamic State

The Islamic State has released a statement through the Amaq news agency. It said Islamic State fighters attacked a large gathering of Christians in Krasnogorsk, outside the Russian capital Moscow. The terrorists killed and injured hundreds of people before returning safely to their bases.

Credits : The Telegraph

Prime Minister Modi denounces the attack

PM Modi has condemned this attack. He said in a post, ‘We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief’.

Editorial Viewpoint

Jihadi terrorists have held the entire world hostage. It is now necessary for the entire world to introspect and ponder why these jihadi terrorists are being created, what causes and ideologies are behind their formation. This needs to be studied and a ban should be placed on such ideologies. Developed nations around the world need to take the initiative in this matter.