Putin Attributes Moscow Concert Hall Massacre to Radical Islamists
Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the recent massacre at a concert hall in a Moscow suburb, which resulted in over 130 deaths, to “radical Islamists.” Putin, speaking during a meeting with government officials, characterized the attackers as extremists aligned with an ideology that has long been opposed by the Islamic world. However, he did not directly mention the Islamic State (IS) group, which claimed responsibility for the attack, nor did he specify who ordered it. The perpetrators, apprehended while attempting to flee to Ukraine, prompted Putin to emphasize the importance of investigating their motives and any connections to individuals in Ukraine.
While US intelligence supported IS’s claims, French President Emmanuel Macron also pointed to an IS entity as responsible for the attack. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refrained from assigning blame, urging patience until the investigation in Russia concludes. Despite calls for harsh punishment, including former President Dmitry Medvedev’s call to “kill them all,” concerns arose regarding the treatment of the suspects, who showed signs of severe physical abuse during their court appearance. Russia’s Federal Security Service announced the detention of seven additional suspects, with three appearing in court facing terrorism charges.
The incident, the deadliest in Russia in years, left 137 dead and over 180 injured, with a significant number still hospitalized. As investigations continue, questions persist about the treatment of suspects and the efficacy of Russia’s security apparatus in preventing such attacks, especially considering prior warnings. The public display of the suspects’ injuries may reflect authorities’ attempts to demonstrate a strong response to the incident, amid criticism of security failures. IS’s history of targeting Russia, coupled with its prior attacks in the region, underscores the ongoing threat posed by the group and its affiliates.
