US Warns of Moscow Attack Ahead of Tragic Concert Incident; Putin Criticizes Alert
In March, the U.S. authorities disclosed plans of a potential attack in Moscow, a claim verified by National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. She mentioned that the information pointed towards possible assaults during concerts.
"At the beginning of March, the U.S. government received intelligence about a planned terrorist act aimed possibly at large events, including concerts. This prompted the State Department to publicly caution Americans in Russia," Watson shared in a statement distributed to the press on Friday.
Watson noted, "The U.S. authorities relayed this information to their Russian counterparts, adhering to the long-standing 'duty to warn' policy."
On March 7, the U.S. embassy in Moscow released a notice advising U.S. citizens in Russia to steer clear of large gatherings, like concerts, for 48 hours, citing concerns over a planned assault by "extremists."
Putin criticizes the warnings
Just three days before the attack on Friday, which the Islamic State claimed responsibility for, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized these advisories. He described them as provocations designed to sow unrest in society and likened them to "blackmail."
The assault targeted the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, on the outskirts of Moscow. The Russian Federation's Investigative Committee reported that the attack resulted in over 60 fatalities. "Regrettably, the death toll may rise," the statement noted.
In addition, at least 140 individuals sustained injuries. Of these, 115 people, including five children, received hospital treatment. Sixty adults and one child are reported to be in critical condition.
