In a devastating turn of events, the Islamic State group has taken responsibility for a horrific attack on a concert hall in the suburbs of Moscow, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 133 lives. This incident marks the deadliest attack Russia has faced in recent years. Despite the United States confirming the jihadists’ claim through evidence, Moscow and Kyiv have been quick to cast blame on each other amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Details surrounding the attack, which unfolded on a Friday night, remain shrouded in mystery. Questions linger about its connection to a security warning issued by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow two weeks prior, and whether this signals a resurgence of the group in Western regions.
Following the incident, Russia has detained 11 individuals for their suspected involvement, although the authenticity of statements from Russian investigators remains unverified.
The Islamic State group, a notorious offshoot of al-Qaida, seized control over vast territories in Iraq and Syria in 2014, launching a genocidal campaign against Yazidis and other groups. Despite being significantly weakened by a U.S.-led coalition by 2018, the group continues to operate from desert hideouts in both countries, with affiliates active in regions including Afghanistan, West Africa, and the Far East.
Syed Muhammad Ali, a Pakistani security analyst, suggests that if the group’s involvement is confirmed, the attack could be perceived as retaliation for Russian airstrikes on IS hideouts in Syria, which have inflicted severe damage on the group in recent years.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, revealed to The Associated Press that IS-K, the Central Asian affiliate of the Islamic State group, is believed to be behind the attack. This claim is supported by the group’s history of targeting Russia, including a recent foiled attempt on a Moscow synagogue.
IS-K, named after the historical Khorasan Province, began with Pakistani Taliban fighters seeking refuge in Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban’s control, IS-K remains a formidable enemy, responsible for numerous attacks, including the tragic suicide bombing at Kabul airport in August 2021, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. troops and approximately 170 Afghans.
Security expert Olivier Guitta points to several indicators supporting the Islamic State’s claim, including the timing during Ramadan and the choice of a concert hall as the target, reminiscent of previous attacks in Paris and Manchester.
In the wake of the attack, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow had issued a security alert on March 7, warning of potential extremist plans to target large gatherings. Russian President Putin dismissed the U.S. warning, which advised citizens to avoid large gatherings for 48 hours. The attack occurred just over two weeks later.
Amidst the backdrop of war, Putin announced the detention of 11 individuals, including four suspected gunmen, while Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry vehemently denied any involvement, suggesting the possibility of Russian government complicity.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and the complex geopolitical tensions exacerbating the situation.