Rabat – Morocco has issued a “strong” condemnation of the recent terrorist attack near Moscow that claimed dozens of lives and injured many others, expressing solidarity with Russian authorities in combating terrorism.
In a statement, the North African country denounced the recent terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, located near Moscow, which was claimed by the terrorist organization ISIS.
In addition to expressing solidarity with the Russian government in the fight against terrorism, Morocco has extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
According to reports from the scene of the attack, a group of unidentified assailants, numbering between two to five individuals and donning tactical gear and armed with automatic weapons, launched an assault on security personnel stationed at the entrance of the concert hall.
Subsequently, they indiscriminately opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd, causing chaos and tragedy.
Read also: Morocco, Russia Seek to Boost Bilateral Relations
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the heinous act through a message posted on Telegram, boasting of attacking a large gathering in the vicinity of Moscow and asserting the safe return of its operatives to their base.
The attack resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 115 people reported dead and many more injured. Rescue efforts were hampered by a subsequent fire that broke out in the concert hall, worsening the already dire situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been closely monitoring the situation, being informed of the attack promptly, according to his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Emergency services, including firefighters, managed to evacuate scores of individuals trapped in the building’s basement, while efforts to contain the fire were underway.
In response to the tragic events, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has announced the cancellation of all public events for the weekend, with major cultural institutions in the capital shuttering their doors in mourning and solidarity.
As investigations into the attack continue, several nations around the world, including Morocco, have indicated standing united against the scourge of terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to combating extremism and fostering peace and security globally.
