Russian authorities arrested the four men suspected of attacking a suburban Moscow concert hall that killed at least 133 people, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday during an address to the nation.
Putin claimed they were captured while fleeing to Ukraine.
Kyiv strongly denied any involvement in Friday’s attack on the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk.
The Islamic State’s Afghanistan affiliate claimed responsibility.
Putin didn’t mention IS in his speech, and Kyiv accused him and other Russian politicians of falsely linking Ukraine to the assault.
Kyiv said this is to stoke fervour in Russia’s war in Ukraine, which recently entered its third year.
A U.S. intelligence official told The Associated Press that U.S. agencies had confirmed that IS was responsible for the assault.
The U.S. added it had previously warned Moscow an attack could be imminent.
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Putin said authorities have detained 11 people in connection with the attack, which also injured scores of concertgoers and left the venue a smouldering ruin.
He called it “a bloody, barbaric terrorist act” and said Russian authorities captured the four suspected gunmen.
“They were trying to escape to Ukraine through a “window” prepared for them on the Ukrainian side of the border.”
Putin also said authorities have imposed additional security measures throughout Russia. He declared Sunday a day of mourning.
Some commentators on Russian social media questioned how authorities, who have relentlessly suppressed any opposition activities and muzzled independent media, failed to prevent the attack despite the U.S. warnings. (AP News)
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