Security Official Reveals Details on Moscow Concert Hall Attack Suspects
A Turkish security official disclosed that two suspects involved in the Moscow concert hall massacre were able to travel freely between Russia and Turkey due to the absence of arrest warrants against them.
Details of the Attack
On Friday, camouflaged gunmen stormed into northern Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, opening fire on concertgoers and setting the building ablaze, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 139 lives.
Suspects’ Movements
The suspects, Tajiks Rachabalizoda Saidakrami and Shamsidin Fariduni, had recently spent time in Turkey before entering Russia together on the same flight from Istanbul.
Connection to Islamic State
The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, with IS-affiliated media channels releasing graphic videos of the gunmen inside the venue.
Response from Authorities
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the involvement of “radical Islamists” in the attack, hinting at possible links to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Turkish authorities conducted nationwide raids, detaining numerous suspects with alleged IS connections.
Suspects’ Activities in Turkey
- Fariduni entered Turkey on February 20 and returned to Russia on March 2.
- Saidakrami arrived in Istanbul on January 5, stayed until January 21, and then returned to Moscow on March 2.
Continued Efforts Against Terrorism
Turkey remains committed to combating all terror groups, including IS, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed readiness to cooperate with Russia in the fight against terrorism.