A recent Islamic State (IS) poster has emerged on social media, threatening Russia. This comes shortly after the group claimed responsibility for an attack on Moscow’s concert center. The poster, highlighted by Iranian media and linked to IS-Khorasan’s propaganda network, Al Azaim, shows a masked individual with a knife and a menacing message aimed at Russia and specifically Vladimir Putin, as reported by Newsweek.IS-Khorasan, formed in Afghanistan in late 2014, has openly admitted to orchestrating the attack on Moscow’s Crocus Center, resulting in at least 137 deaths. Following the attack, four Tajik nationals were charged with terrorism, all confessing guilt according to TASS news agency.The attackFour individuals armed with Kalashnikov rifles entered Crocus City Hall around 6:54 p.m. local time. The attack began at 7:58 p.m., with the assailants firing at civilians, causing panic and chaos. Video footage showed attendees rushing to escape amid gunfire and screams, with the gunmen targeting specific victims.The attackers used Kalashnikov “AK-74” rifles and left over 500 spent cartridges at the scene. After the shooting, they set parts of the building on fire before fleeing at 8:11 p.m., colliding with a family vehicle on their way out.Crocus City Hall, known for hosting up to 6,200 guests and hosting performances by artists like Scorpions and Elton John, was the venue for the attack. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the event through its Amaq news outlet on Telegram, with the United States confirming the group’s involvement in the attack.Russian responsePresident Vladimir Putin stated that the apprehended attackers were heading to Ukraine, expressing doubt about US claims linking the attack to Islamic State. He attributed the attack to “radical Islamists” during a meeting, emphasizing the need to identify the perpetrators behind the attack. Putin suggested possible motives related to the conflict in Ukraine as Russian forces make progress in the region.(With inputs from agencies)
