Moscow mall carnage: Putin declares mourning as toll rises.
Russia has been plunged into mourning following the horrific shooting at a busy Moscow shopping mall that killed 143 people. Declaring March 24 as a national day of mourning, President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned the “bloody, barbaric terrorist act” that cut down dozens of “innocent, peaceful people”.
While initial investigations pointed fingers at Ukraine, authorities have now arrested 11 people for carrying out the attack. Sources told Reuters 4 attackers were directly involved.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility, saying it targeted a large Moscow event, killing and injuring hundreds.
Addressing the nation, Putin vowed the “criminals” who “went specifically to kill our people” would be identified and called for global cooperation.
He said they “tried to escape” towards Ukraine’s border, even as Kyiv strenuously denied any involvement in the “stoking of war efforts”.
The attack comes after Russian agencies foiled recent terror plans, including targeting a Moscow synagogue and killing 6 alleged IS members.
Authorities continue piecing together the massacre’s far-reaching plot as the country bids final farewell to the 143 victims cut down in the tragic carnage. Russia has been left reeling under the weight of this enormous loss of life.
