ISIS-K Claims Responsibility in Moscow Concert Attack

Faith Logue, Contributing Writer

The terrorist group ISIS-K, an affiliate of the organization, has claimed responsibility for the Moscow concert attack in Russia. The group, according to ABC News, also claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 13 American servicemembers in Afghanistan in 2012 and an attack that killed nearly 100 in Iran earlier this year. The death toll from the Moscow concert attack in Russia has risen to 143, with more expected to be found and people still missing. Russia is in a state of mourning as more details emerge about the gruesome attack. 

ISIS-K was founded between 2014 and 2015. ISIS-K has been fighting the Taliban since that time. Their reasons for formation are due to the Western world’s lack of attention to important matters as wars across the globe continue to rise.

ISIS-K terrorists stormed the hall armed with automatic weapons, shooting and killing anyone they could in the audience. ABC News reported that witnesses heard the gunfire and rushed to leave or hide under their seats. After the shooting they hurled Molotov cocktails into the complex, trapping people inside and caving the roof. The attack is one of the deadliest terror attacks in Russia’s recent history at one of the largest concert and shopping complexes in the country.

On March 7, the US Embassy received intelligence about ISIS-K plotting attacks involving large gatherings and warned Russia of this. According to ABC News, ISIS-K wanted revenge because Russia sides with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Which is where they’re from. The organization also believes Russia mistreats Muslims. According to VOX, the organization is located in the historical Khorasan region which encompasses parts of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 

According to KTLA 5, Newly re-elected President Vladimir Putin shrugged this warning off with the Russian government declaring they did not receive the warning. Speaking out about the attack he claimed, with absolutely no evidence, that Ukraine was somehow involved and that they apprehended the suspects near the border. CNN reported that Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, has denied any involvement. Four suspects have been detained; 32-year-old Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 30-year-old Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 25-year-old Shamsidin Fariduni, and 19-year-old Mukhammadsobir Faizov. These suspects have been charged with committing a terrorist attack.

The Associated Press reported two out of the four admitted guilt in the attack. But, it didn’t come easily, reports say that each of the suspects were tortured during interrogation and walking away with bruises or swelling. One suspect was wheelchair-bound and unresponsive, receiving medical attention while in the courtroom. 

ISIS-K shared graphics videos from the attack of the suspects shooting into the crowd. Audience members also published videos on social media, with gunfire and screams of terror heard prominently in the background.

KTLA 5 reported that the U.S. is warning Americans abroad to stay put and remain plugged until official updates. Russia tells its citizens to stay away from large gatherings. As of now, the world is on high alert as terrorist attacks continue to grow.