JUST IN: Hundreds Injured In Shocking Moscow Terror Attack

On Friday evening, armed assailants stormed the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the Moscow region, unleashing a terror attack that has left the international community in shock.

Russian state media, including TASS and RIA Novosti, report that three gunmen opened fire indiscriminately within the confines of the packed venue, leading to an unspecified number of casualties amid chaos.

The attack swiftly escalated as explosives detonated by the assailants ignited a fierce blaze, engulfing the building in flames and sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky, as captured in harrowing video footage.

RIA Novosti’s correspondent at the scene reported, “People in camouflage, at least three, burst into the ground floor of the Crocus City Hall and opened fire with automatic weapons.” The trio “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire” within the concert venue.

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The intensity of the fire and the ensuing panic made the evacuation and rescue operations particularly challenging.

Emergency services responded as approximately 100 people were rescued from the fire by firefighters, with ongoing efforts to save those trapped on the roof, according to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation. Despite the swift action of rescuers, the number of dead and injured remains uncertain.

The Russian government has vehemently condemned the attack, labeling it a “monstrous crime” and calling upon the international community for condemnation and support. In a swift move to bolster public safety, Moscow authorities have cancelled all mass gatherings and ramped up security measures across key transport hubs, including airports and train stations.

The US Embassy in Russia released an advisory two weeks ago that warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow.

The release was based on reports that extremists had plans to target concert venues, large gatherings. pic.twitter.com/WHEQWMmeYP

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John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, stated, “There’s no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians were involved in the shooting … We’re taking a look at it, but I would disabuse you at this early hour of any connection to Ukraine.”

“There are people in Moscow and in Russia that object to the way Mr. Putin is governing the country, but I don’t think we, at this early hour, can make a link between the shopping mall attack and political motivations. I think … we just need more time and we need to learn more information,” Kirby said.

In a statement, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said, “Today a terrible tragedy occurred in the Crocus City center. My condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I gave orders to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who suffered during the incident.”

This is a developing story…