An ISIS-affiliated news agency, Amaq, released a disturbing video on Saturday depicting the attack that took place at a concert hall in suburban Moscow. The video, reportedly recorded by one of the attackers, suggests a direct link to ISIS due to its release through the agency.
The 90-second video, with blurred faces and distorted voices, shows four attackers at the Crocus City Hall complex. It captures a scene where one attacker signals another to open fire on people hiding behind a door, resulting in a tragic display of bodies and blood on the floor.
Additionally, the video shows a gruesome act of one attacker slitting the throat of a man lying on his back. The footage concludes with the attackers walking away inside the building as smoke billows in the background.
Following the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility in a statement published by Amaq. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a possible link to Ukraine, alleging that the perpetrators attempted to flee towards the Ukrainian border.
Putin stated, “According to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the border.” In response, Ukraine vehemently denied any involvement in the attack.
The video's release and the subsequent claims and denials have raised concerns about the ongoing security situation in the region and the potential for further escalation.