What's happened
On Friday night, gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall in Moscow, killing over 130 people and injuring many more. The attackers, dressed in camouflage, opened fire on concertgoers and set the venue ablaze. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. Emergency services responded, and authorities have since arrested several suspects. The incident is Russia's deadliest attack since the 2004 Beslan school siege.
Why it matters
This attack is significant as it marks the deadliest terrorist incident in Russia in two decades, highlighting ongoing security challenges. The impact on the victims' families and the broader community is profound, with many still grappling with trauma. Internationally, it underscores the persistent threat of terrorism and the need for global cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. The attack may also influence Russia's domestic and foreign policies, particularly in relation to security and counter-terrorism measures.
What the papers say
According to The Moscow Times, the attack began around 8:15 p.m. with gunmen firing on concertgoers before setting the venue on fire. The New York Times provides a harrowing account from a survivor who hid in a bathroom, while the South China Morning Post reports on a Chinese pianist who survived by hiding under a seat. Sky News notes that President Vladimir Putin linked the attack to Ukraine, despite Islamic State's claim of responsibility. The Guardian highlights the chaos and panic as people tried to escape, with some climbing over others to reach safety.
How we got here
The attack on Crocus City Hall occurred just days after President Vladimir Putin began his fifth term in office. The venue, located on the outskirts of Moscow, was hosting a concert by the popular Soviet-era band Piknik. The attackers, dressed in camouflage and armed with automatic weapons, stormed the hall and opened fire on the audience before setting the building on fire. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is the deadliest in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege.
Common question
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, officially known as the Islamic State and also known by its Arabic-language acronym Daesh, is a militant group and a former unrecognised proto-state that follows
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The Moscow Times is an English-language online-only newspaper based in Moscow. It was in print from 1992 until 2017, with a peak circulation of 55,000.