China News Service, Moscow, March 23 (Reporter Tian Bing) Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a televised speech on the 23rd, calling the attack on the "Krocus City" concert hall in Moscow State a bloody and barbaric terrorist attack. According to the latest report from the Russian Federation Investigative Committee, the number of people killed in the terrorist attack so far has reached 133.
In his speech, Putin expressed his gratitude to all fire fighters, medical personnel and other personnel who participated in the rescue, and thanked the people who provided help. He expressed his condolences to the relatives of all the victims and said that he would provide necessary help to all families whose lives were affected and to the injured. Putin also declared March 24 as a national day of mourning.
Putin said additional counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage measures will be taken in Moscow and all regions across the country. "The most important thing now is to prevent those behind the scenes from committing new crimes."
Regarding the current investigation and action results of the terrorist attack, Putin said that all four direct perpetrators of the terrorist attack and all those who shot and killed have been discovered and arrested. They tried to hide and flee towards Ukraine. According to preliminary information, the Ukrainian side prepared a "gap" for them to cross the border. A total of 11 people have been arrested so far. Russia's Federal Security Service and other law enforcement agencies are working to identify all the terrorists' accomplices: those who provide transportation for terrorists, plan escape routes from crime scenes, prepare and hide weapons and ammunition.
Putin stressed that Russian investigative and law enforcement agencies will make every effort to identify all details of the crime. He believed that this was not only a well-planned terrorist attack, but also a prepared and organized mass murder against peaceful people. All perpetrators, organizers and planners of this crime will be punished fairly and unavoidably. "Whoever they are and whoever ordered them will be brought to justice."
Putin said that Russia hopes to cooperate with all countries that sincerely share the pain and are willing to work together to combat international terrorism and all its manifestations. He also called on the people across the country to unite to face challenges. "No one can sow the poisonous seeds of discord, panic and strife in Russia's multi-ethnic society."
According to a report from the Russian Federal Investigative Committee, new remains of victims were found during the cleaning of the ruins of the "Krocus City" concert hall. The number of victims so far has risen to 133. Search and rescue efforts are continuing.
On the evening of the 22nd, before a concert at the "Krocus City" concert hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, several unidentified people wearing camouflage uniforms broke into the hall and opened fire. A grenade or incendiary bomb was thrown, starting a fire. The incident caused heavy casualties. (over)