It was reported that the attack was carried out by a group wearing camouflage and using automatic weapons. Following the attack, there were two explosions in the building, leading to a large fire.

It was stated that at least 40 people, including children, were killed in the attacks, with more than 146 people injured, as efforts were made to evacuate people from the area.

CLAIMED BY ISIS

The attack was claimed by the terrorist organization ISIS through a statement on Telegram.

The Russian media wrote that the attackers were "likely not captured."

PEOPLE TRAPPED

It was reported that the fire engulfed a large part of the building, with people trapped inside and on the roof. More than 50 ambulance teams were sent to the scene while helicopters attempted to extinguish the fire.

EVENTS CANCELED

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin noted in his initial statement that a "great tragedy" had occurred. Sobyanin conveyed condolences to the victims of the attack and stated that all large-scale sports, cultural, and other public events in Moscow would be canceled.

The Russian Ministry of Culture later announced the cancellation of all entertainment events.

SPECIAL TASK FORCE FORMED, PUTIN BRIEFED

Prosecutors opened an investigation into the attack, classifying the incident as a terrorist act.

Andrey Vorobyov, the Governor of the Moscow Region, announced the formation of a task force to address the terrorist attack on the concert hall in the capital. Security measures were increased at train stations and airports in the capital.

It was announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin was continuously briefed on the attack.

US: NO EVIDENCE OF UKRAINIAN INVOLVEMENT

The White House issued a statement regarding the attack in Moscow, describing the footage as "horrific."

The statement urged Americans in Moscow to stay where they were. The White House stated that there was currently no evidence of Ukrainian involvement in the attacks.

The US Embassy in Moscow expressed being "shocked" by the attack and conveyed "sincere condolences to the Russian people." The statement also reiterated the advice for US citizens to stay away from the area where the attack occurred.

RUSSIAN REACTION TO THE US

The Russian Defense Ministry issued a statement expressing its reaction to the US. The statement asked on what basis it was claimed that Ukraine was not involved in the attack, stating that "Russia's own law enforcement agencies will determine who was behind the attack."

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, "The entire world community must condemn this heinous crime."

Zakharova invited US officials to share information, stating, "If there is no such data, the White House has no right to show tolerance to anyone. As the Russian government has stated, everyone involved will be identified by the competent authorities."

URGENT MEETING REQUEST FROM UNSC

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that they would request a meeting from the United Nations Security Council regarding the terrorist attack in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry Special Representative Ambassador Rodion Miroshnik stated, "Our diplomats will raise this issue at the UNSC meeting. They will request a meeting on this issue from the UNSC in the near future, and thus, the global majority in the largest international organization will be able to condemn these actions."

MEDVEDEV: IF THE KIEV REGIME'S TERRORISTS ARE IDENTIFIED...

Before ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stated, "terrorists understand only the terror of reprisal." He used the expression, "No court or investigation will be of any use unless violence is met with force, mass executions of terrorists and their families, and repressions against them."

Medvedev also noted:

"If it is determined that these are the terrorists of the Kiev regime, it is impossible to treat them differently. They must all be identified as terrorists and mercilessly eliminated. This includes the officials of the state that perpetrates such brutality. Death to death."

UKRAINE'S INITIAL STATEMENT: DELIBERATE RUSSIAN PROVOCATION, NOT OUR CONCERN

The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Intelligence Service assessed the events in Moscow as "a deliberate provocation by Russian intelligence services" in their initial statement.

Mikhail Podolyak, Advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office, said that Kiev had no connection to the attack.

Podolyak stated, "These events bear the signs of the terrorism practiced by the aggressor country's leadership against its own people."

CONDOLENCES AND CONDEMNATION FROM TURKEY

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov over the phone.

In a statement from diplomatic sources, it was said that "Our Minister conveyed our condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow and extended the condolences of our President and our people to the Russian people and government."

A written statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs included the following:

"We have learned with sorrow that there were many casualties and injuries in the attack on a concert hall in Moscow this evening (March 22). We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent civilians. We extend our deepest condolences to the Russian people and the Russian Government."

Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş stated, "I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent civilians in Moscow and extend my condolences to the Russian government and people."

CONDEMNATIONS OF THE ATTACK

After the attack, statements were made by Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and France. The statements condemned the attacks and conveyed condolences.

Deputy Spokesman for the United Nations (UN) Farhan Haq said, "We receive the news from Russia with sadness" and announced that a written statement would be issued regarding the incident.

Peter Stano, the spokesperson for the European Union (EU) Commission, stated in a statement from his account that the EU was "shocked and horrified" by the news of the attack. Stano said, "The EU condemns any attack on civilians. Our thoughts are with all the citizens affected by the attack in Russia."

WASHINGTON'S WARNING

The US Embassy in Moscow had warned on March 8 that extremists were planning a major attack in the capital of Russia.

"Our embassy is monitoring reports of extremist groups planning attacks on major events such as concerts in Moscow. US citizens are advised to stay away from crowded events in the next 48 hours," said the statement, without providing details of the attack plan.

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