Death Toll from Terror Attack in Moscow Rises to 137

Over 300 Casualties Reported

The number of victims from the shooting and arson terror attack at a venue on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, has risen to 137, Russian authorities announced on the 24th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to AFP and other sources, the investigation committee announced on the afternoon of the 24th that the death toll from the indiscriminate terror attack by armed assailants at the Crocus City Hall venue in Krasnogorsk, northwest of Moscow, on the 22nd, has reached 137. The number of deaths increased by 4 in just one day.

The total number of casualties exceeds 300. Moscow health authorities reported that at least 180 people were injured at the terror site. Among them, 142 were transferred to hospitals. Of the hospitalized patients, 32 have been discharged, and 38 are receiving outpatient treatment, the health authorities added.

The investigation committee also revealed that weapons and a large amount of ammunition were found at the venue. Two AK assault rifles, four sets of ammunition, over 500 containers filled with ammunition, and 28 magazines were discovered.

Russia arrested a total of 11 people related to the incident, including four key suspects responsible for the casualties, the day before. On the same day, the terror suspects were transferred to the investigation committee headquarters in Moscow.

Immediately after the incident, the extremist armed group Islamic State (IS) claimed that the attack was carried out by members of its Afghanistan branch, Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K). According to dpa news agency, the group’s propaganda outlet Amaq released a 90-second video of the terror scene. The suspects’ voices were distorted, and subtitles showed one of them saying, "Kill mercilessly. We have come for God's cause."

ISIS-K has concentrated attacks on Russia in recent years not only in Afghanistan but also in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities have raised suspicions of Ukrainian involvement. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied any Ukrainian involvement in the Moscow shooting terror attack via Telegram on the 23rd.