Tổng thống Putin declares March 24 as the National Mourning Day

Today (March 24) is the National Mourning Day in Russia to commemorate the victims of the bloody terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow. The attack claimed the lives of 133 people, according to the latest update from the Federal Investigative Committee of Russia. The committee had previously reported 143 fatalities.

The Special Forces and law enforcement agencies of Russia are currently investigating the attack, and those responsible for this heinous crime will face the full force of the law. Russia strongly condemns international terrorism and denounces such acts in all forms and locations where terrorist actions are carried out.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, deliberately killing civilians to achieve any aim is unacceptable. The ongoing fight against this evil remains the focus of all the powerful forces of the international community.

One of the suspects involved in the terrorist attack has confessed to being hired to commit the crime. The suspect revealed that he carried out the attack at the Crocus City Hall after exchanging messages with an “assistant” of a religious leader. He confessed to opening fire on the crowd for money.

The cleanup and rescue operations at the crime scene are expected to continue for several days. The Crocus City Hall, located between Moscow and the Moscow region, is an art and shopping center. The fire on the second and third floors of the 500 m2 hall is being extinguished, while the rescue teams are clearing the debris.

Addressing the nation on March 23, President Putin reaffirmed that Russia has always emerged stronger from its most difficult challenges and will continue to do so. He stated, “Russia has faced the most difficult challenges more than once, sometimes seemingly unbearable, but (Russia) has become even stronger. And now it will be the same.” The law enforcement agencies of Russia will investigate, identify, and punish all those who planned and participated in this attack.

The Russian security forces have identified the identities of four out of the 11 terrorist suspects involved in the attack. All four directly related individuals are “citizens of Tajikistan,” including Nasridinov Makhmadrasul (37 years old), Ismonov Rivozhidin (51 years old), Safolzoda Shokhinjonn (21 years old), and Nazarov Zustam (29 years old). The investigation has revealed that the “terrorists” used a “flammable substance” to set the concert hall on fire after the shooting.

There is no information regarding casualties involving Vietnamese nationals in the aforementioned terrorist attack, according to the Consulate General of Vietnam in Russia. The consulate immediately deployed personnel to ensure the safety of Vietnamese citizens, rescuing 12 individuals and bringing them to safety. They continue to monitor the situation and urge Vietnamese nationals in Russia to limit their use of public transportation and avoid crowded places. The consulate has provided emergency contact numbers to report any urgent situations.

The international community has strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the victims. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, strongly condemned the attack, and the United Nations Security Council described it as “abhorrent and cowardly.” Countries such as the United States, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, China, and India have all condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Russian government and people.

In conclusion, the terrorist attack in Moscow has shocked the world. The Russian government is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. The international community stands in solidarity with Russia, condemning terrorism in all its forms and supporting efforts to maintain stability and national security.