Russian authorities have captured all four gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, which killed 133 people.
Also, President Vladimir Putin has vowed to find and punish the attack’s masterminds.
Despite the Islamic State (ISIS) claiming responsibility, Putin suggested a possible Ukrainian involvement, a claim Ukraine firmly denies.
Putin stated in a televised address on Saturday that 11 individuals, including the four attackers, were arrested as they attempted to flee towards Ukraine. The Russian FSB security service claimed the gunmen had connections in Ukraine and were apprehended near the border, although no evidence was provided to support these allegations.
“They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border,” said Putin.
Ukrainian officials have denied involvement in the attack, saying that its focus has been defending its sovereignty and fighting against Russian forces.
Putin, in his speech, highlighted the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism and assured that all individuals connected to the attack, whether directly or indirectly, would be punished.
“We will identify and punish everyone who stands behind the terrorists, who prepared this atrocity, this strike against Russia, against our people,” the Russian President said.
Footage of the attack showed gunmen in camouflage firing at civilians. Some victims died from gunshot wounds, while others perished in a fire reportedly started by the gunmen using petrol.
Furthermore, interrogation videos of suspects have been released, showing one of the suspects admitting to receiving instructions for the attack via Telegram for money.
🚨🇷🇺 THREE OF THE FOUR SUSPECTED TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN CAPTURED AND ARE BEING INTERROGATED
Death Count Climbs to 150 Following Terrorist Attack in Moscow, Russia.
Source: @Sprinterfactory, @BNONews pic.twitter.com/97PWl0skIy
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 23, 2024
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