A concert in Moscow becomes the scene of a horrific attack, resulting in 93 deaths, while a bombing in Kandahar during Ramadan adds to the violence. The Islamic State claims responsibility for both, marking a significant escalation in their international terror campaign.
A devastating shooting at a concert hall in Moscow has resulted in the death of 93 people, with at least three children among the victims. The incident occurred during a performance by the Russian rock band Picnic, attended by over 6,000 people. Witnesses reported that the gunmen, equipped with AKM assault rifles and explosives, initiated the attack with lethal precision, setting the building ablaze. In response, Russian authorities have arrested eleven individuals in connection to the assault. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for this attack, targeting what it referred to as a large gathering of “Christians” in Krasnogorsk, a claim that remains to be officially verified by Russian authorities. The attack closely follows President Vladimir Putin’s re-election and occurred amidst heightened security alerts in Moscow.
In a separate incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a suicide bombing at a private bank led to at least three deaths and twelve injuries. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, targeting civilians collecting their salaries at the New Kabul Bank branch. Despite the chaos, local authorities have managed to bring the situation under control, with the head of the Kandahar information and culture department stating that the wounded were not in critical condition. The violence underscores the ongoing tension between the Taliban, who took power in August 2021, and rival groups like the Islamic State.
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), known for its operations in Afghanistan, is suspected to be behind the Moscow concert hall shooting, marking a significant shift in the group’s focus towards international targets. This strategic pivot is thought to be driven by a desire to attract new recruits, acquire resources, and differentiate from other militant factions like the Taliban and al-Qaida. The group’s decision to target Moscow could be influenced by Russia’s support for the Syrian regime, perceived as part of a coalition against Islam. Despite the defeat of the IS caliphate in Syria and Iraq, connections between ISKP and senior figures within IS suggest a continued threat of orchestrated attacks. The events in Moscow and Kandahar highlight the complex and evolving nature of global terrorist networks.
