Reports from RT indicate that individuals dressed in combat attire initiated gunfire and detonated explosives at Crocus City, a large shopping complex and music venue situated northwest of Moscow, during Friday evening.
Unconfirmed sources suggest that more than 40 people have lost their lives, with approximately 130 others sustaining injuries in the assault on the Russian capital.
Armed with assault rifles, a minimum of three assailants targeted both mall patrons and a concert hall, setting off a blaze in the process.
The United States Embassy in Moscow issued a warning on March 8, alerting to the presence of “extremists” planning assaults in the Russian capital within 48 hours.
Through its website, the embassy cautioned American citizens to avoid crowded areas.
“It has come to the embassy’s attention that extremists are preparing to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts. US citizens are advised to avoid such gatherings in the next 48 hours,” the diplomatic mission stated.
Americans were urged to remain vigilant and monitor local media for updates. However, no further details were provided regarding the alert.
This warning coincided with heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington.
In response to Friday’s attack, the White House denounced the mall assault as a “terrible” incident.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed, “The images are distressing and difficult to witness.”
He further emphasized that the US had no prior intelligence on the attack and does not believe it is linked to Ukraine in any way.
An RT correspondent at the scene reported that the assailants had barricaded themselves inside the burning building.
The group reportedly refrained from taking hostages or issuing statements, instead indiscriminately shooting individuals.
The incident prompted a swift and extensive emergency response, with numerous ambulances and heavily armed police special operations units converging on the location.
