Russian President Putin Blames “Radical Islamists” for Moscow Attack
In a shocking revelation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has attributed Friday’s deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall to “radical Islamists.”
Putin reiterated his belief that these extremists had some sort of connection to Ukraine and the West, a claim that Ukraine has vehemently dismissed as absurd.
The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the atrocity, which resulted in the deaths of 139 individuals, with footage of the attack being released by the group.
As of now, twenty-two people remain in critical condition in hospitals, including two children, according to Russian officials.
During a televised meeting on Monday, Putin declared, “We know that the crime was committed by the hands of radical Islamists, whose ideology has been a long-standing challenge within the Islamic world.”
He further pressed on, questioning, “We want to know who ordered it,” while insinuating that the attackers may have attempted to flee south to Ukraine.
Putin also pointed fingers at the West, suggesting that the attack could be part of a series of attempts by those who have been at odds with Russia since 2014.
Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev reiterated the Kremlin’s stance, placing blame on Ukraine when asked whether IS or Ukraine was behind the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the Russian accusations, labeling Putin’s statements as baseless and accusing him of unfairly blaming Ukraine.
The US squarely holds IS accountable for the Moscow attack, with European countries heightening security measures in response to potential jihadist threats.
Several individuals from Tajikistan have been implicated in the massacre, with additional suspects accused of aiding terrorism, including a Kyrgyzstani man suspected of renting a flat used by the attackers.
Amidst rising tensions, Russia’s FSB security service reported thwarting an attack by pro-Ukraine Russian fighters in Samara, with an alleged member of a paramilitary group detonating himself.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani acknowledged Putin’s motives while affirming IS involvement in the attack through multiple claims and clear video evidence.
The Moscow attack, attributed to an IS regional branch called Islamic State-Khorasan, has sparked concerns of renewed extremist plots in Western Europe, just months before major international sporting events.
France, on high alert, has foiled multiple attacks, with thousands of additional soldiers set to be deployed across the country.
Germany, gearing up for the European Championships, plans to implement temporary border controls to combat potential threats, while Turkey announces arrests of individuals with IS ties in various cities.
Italy, ahead of the Easter holidays, has increased security measures, urging vigilance despite no specific risks identified.— BBC
