Russia: Islamic State behind deadly attack on Moscow concert hall

Russia announced for the first time on Friday that the terrorist militia “Islamic State” coordinated the attack on the concert hall in Moscow in March. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in the country in two decades.

IS has repeatedly claimed responsibility for the March 22 attack, which killed more than 140 people, but Moscow has repeatedly tried to link Ukraine and the West to the attack.

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov was quoted by the RIA Novosti news agency as saying: “The preparations, financing, attack and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the Internet by members of Khorasan Province (IS-K), an IS branch active in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Bortnikov did not ignore the Ukrainian aspect in his statements on Friday, saying: “After the attack was completed, the terrorists received clear instructions to move towards the Ukrainian border, where a ‘window’ had been prepared for them on the other side.”

“The investigation is ongoing, but one can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack,” he said.

Ukraine has repeatedly denied any involvement.

Worst terrorist attack in Russia since 2004

Armed men in camouflage clothing stormed the Crocus City Hall building on the outskirts of Moscow and then set the building on fire.

(AFP)

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