Russia's national security service, the FSB, has asserted that individuals involved in the deadly terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow had connections with Ukraine and were attempting to flee there. According to reports from Russian state news agencies on Saturday, the FSB disclosed that after perpetrating the attack, the assailants sought to cross the Russian-Ukrainian border and maintained ongoing communication with Ukrainian entities. This revelation comes in response to earlier statements from the White House, where spokesman John Kirby indicated on Friday that there was no evidence implicating Ukraine or Ukrainians in the incident.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged the United States to provide further details on the matter in light of Kirby's remarks. The FSB's assertions were based on the apprehension of four out of the eleven attackers.
The attack, which occurred at Crocus City Hall and Shopping Center in Moscow's Krasnogorsk district on Friday evening, resulted in a substantial loss of life, with the death toll now standing at 115. The FSB reported that over 140 individuals sustained injuries in the assault and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Investigative officials have revealed that the attackers, following the assault, ignited a fire at the scene using a flammable substance to facilitate their escape. The Special Investigation Agency of Major Terrorist Incidents in Russia has assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway, vowing to pursue and prosecute all individuals involved in the attack without exception.
Footage from the incident depicts at least four individuals clad in military-style attire carrying out the assault at Crocus City Hall, where a rock concert was underway. The attack commenced at the entrance and continued within the theater, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Middle Eastern militant group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on its Telegram channel, as reported by Reuters. Despite this claim, the investigation into the attack remains ongoing, with authorities focusing on apprehending all perpetrators and determining the full extent of their connections and motives.
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