Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday that authorities have apprehended four men suspected of orchestrating the devastating attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall. The assault, which claimed the lives of at least 133 individuals and left scores injured, shocked the nation and prompted heightened security measures across Russia.

During his address to the nation, President Putin revealed that the suspects were believed to be en route to Ukraine, adding fuel to already tense relations between the two nations. However, Kyiv vehemently denied any involvement in the attack, accusing Russian officials of falsely implicating Ukraine to bolster support for their ongoing conflict in the region.

The Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the assault in a statement circulated on social media channels associated with the extremist organization. A U.S. intelligence official corroborated these claims, stating that American agencies had warned Moscow of the imminent threat prior to the attack.

In response to the tragedy, Putin announced the detention of a total of 11 individuals allegedly linked to the attack. The four suspected gunmen were apprehended as they attempted to flee to Ukraine, with authorities intercepting them near the border.

The aftermath of the attack has prompted tightened security measures throughout Russia, with President Putin declaring Sunday as a national day of mourning to honor the victims of what he described as “a bloody, barbaric terrorist act.”

As investigations continue into the motives and perpetrators behind the horrific incident, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain at an all-time high, fueled by accusations and denials in the wake of the tragedy.

Credit: AP