Russia Dismisses Suspect Nationality Rumors in Deadly Moscow Attack
3:59 AM EDT, March 24, 2024
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has dismissed rumors that the four main suspects detained after a terrorist attack are Russian nationals. "These claims are false. All the individuals are foreigners," the Ministry stated in an announcement.
Caution! Numerous reports of supposed attacks and aggression by Ukraine, as well as updates on the war's progression, circulated by Russian and Belarusian state media, are likely false. These reports could be part of a misinformation campaign by the Russian Federation.
Recent information from the Russian Investigative Committee revealed that Friday's terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, resulted in 133 fatalities. The Islamic State organization has claimed responsibility for this atrocity.
Rumors circulated on Telegram and social media suggested the four suspects of the Crocus City Hall attack, who escaped in a Renault Logan and were later apprehended in the Bryansk region, were Russian nationals. "This is incorrect. The suspects are all foreign nationals," communicated MSW spokeswoman Irina Volk through Telegram.
US warns of potential attack
In recent weeks, the American administration had tipped off Russian officials about a potential attack in Russia. "In March, the US authorities alerted us about a possible attack in Moscow, hinting at risks during concerts," Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council, disclosed on Friday.
"Claims by Russian special services linking Ukraine to the Moscow attack are completely baseless and ludicrous," asserted Mykhailo Podoliak, advisor to the Ukrainian president's chief of staff. Earlier, the FSB indicated that the terrorists fleeing the scene were heading towards Ukraine and "had contacts with individuals in Ukraine."
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied any allegations by Russian officials of Ukraine's involvement in the Crocus City Hall terrorism incident. "We view these accusations as a premeditated provocation by the Kremlin," the Foreign Ministry stated in a Friday night release.
