Following the tragic events that unfolded at Moscow's Crocus City Hall on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the heinous attack that claimed the lives of 137 individuals.
Authorities have disclosed the capture of the four main suspects near the Ukrainian border - bringing the total to 11 suspects. President Putin has vowed justice for the victims and their families, per CNN.
Reports from Russian media detailed the harrowing scene within the concert hall, describing how the assailants initiated the attack by indiscriminately firing automatic weapons and deploying explosive devices. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and terror as panicked concert-goers sought refuge amidst the onslaught, with some resorting to breaking windows to escape the gunfire.
The four apprehended main suspects - all hailing from Tajikistan with expired or temporary visas in Russia - made their initial court appearance on Sunday.
Each bore visible signs of injury as they faced charges of committing a terrorist act in connection with the tragic incident.
The assault - described as the deadliest in Moscow in decades - occurred just days after Putin's reelection, prompting concerns over the nation's security and stability under his continued leadership.
In a somber address, Putin condemned the attack as a "barbaric terrorist act" and declared a national day of mourning in remembrance of the victims.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly incident, with CNN reporting that US officials have said they have no reason to doubt the claims.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday: "ISIS is a terrorist organization that is operating in several parts of the world, and it is a very serious threat to us all … and we encourage all countries to work with each other in order to make sure that ISIS will not have the capacity to strike again anywhere else in the world."
While expressing condolences, Putin pointed to preliminary evidence linking the perpetrators' escape route to Ukraine, raising tensions between the neighboring nations. Despite Ukraine's denial of involvement, fears persist that the attack could exacerbate existing tensions and potentially fuel further conflict.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed a rising death toll from the attack, with search efforts ongoing at the crime scene.
Earlier reports indicated the swift apprehension of the suspects near the Ukrainian border, with authorities attributing the success to coordinated efforts by security forces.
Belarusian involvement in preventing the suspects' escape was also acknowledged, with the country's ambassador to Russia affirming their cooperation in thwarting the terrorists' flight across the border.
In a video address, Putin underscored the government's commitment to pursuing justice, affirming that all individuals involved in orchestrating the attack would face severe consequences.
"All perpetrators, organizers, and instigators of this crime will suffer fair and inevitable punishment," Putin said. "Whoever they are, whoever guides them. I repeat: We will identify and punish everyone who stands behind the terrorists, who prepared this atrocity, this attack on Russia, on our people."
Russian state media echoed Putin's sentiments and have reported that all individuals detained in connection with the attack were foreign nationals.
