Trapped concert-goers executed in hall
HEAVILY-ARMED masked gunmen burst into a famous Moscow concert hall killing at least 40 and leaving dozens injured.
It is believed as many as five mystery shooters opened fire on a crowd of around 100, many of whom were trapped in the complex.
Some of the attackers were filmed as they left the building, opening fire and executing a number of victims at near point-blank range.
The cold-blooded gunmen, wearing combat fatigues, hit the Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue on the western edge of the capital yesterday.
The attack took place as crowds gathered for a concert of Picnic, a famed Russian rock band.
The hall can accommodate over 6,000 people.
A large blast was also heard, as well as assault rifles being fired.
Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs invoked a state of emergency alert called the “Zarya Plan” which orders staff back to work within an hour – fully armed.
Witnesses have described the attackers as bearded and with “asiatic” features associated with people originating from the Russian Caucasus.
It was also reported that a mall nearby was set on fire and plumes of black smoke were rising above the venue.
Some of the crowd are believed to have fled to a basement to seek refuge.
But it is feared others may have been cut off on the fourth floor – trapped by the fire below.
It is believed security services and police were ordered to launch a major lockdown in the city.
More than 70 ambulances were being used to ferry around 100 injured to Moscow hospitals, it later emerged.
Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage.
He didn’t immediately offer any further details.
Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the
area as
people were being evacuated. Earlier this month the US Embassy in Moscow issued a warning about possible terrorist attacks in the capital.
It said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts…”
At the same time Russia’s Federal Security Service said it has foiled an Islamic State plot to attack a synagogue in Moscow.
At the time the ISIS cell was tracked down and “neutralised” according to Russia’s FSB security agency.
In the past Moscow has suffered horrific terror attacks launched by Chechen groups and so called “Black Widows” – the wives of killed jihadists or fighters.
It is a massive blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin who recently dismissed American terror warnings as an attempt at intimidating Russians.