News

Moscow concert hall attack: Death toll rises to 60 as Islamic state claims responsibility

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2024

editor

In a horrific incident on the outskirts of Moscow, at least 60 people have been killed and 145 others wounded after gunmen launched an attack on a concert hall, according to Russian security services.

The assailants, clad in camouflage gear and numbering at least four, stormed the Crocus City Hall in the north-western suburb of Krasnogorsk. The attack occurred just as the venue was about to host a rock concert, with the gunmen targeting both the foyer and the theatre itself.

Video footage from the scene depicted scenes of chaos and destruction, with the concert hall engulfed in flames and parts of the roof collapsing. The attack, described as the deadliest in Russia in years, left the nation reeling, especially as it coincided with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While the fate of the attackers remains unclear, state investigators are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack in an unverified statement online, although US officials have suggested that IS had intentions of targeting Russia.

Authorities swiftly mobilized, with Russia’s National Guard deploying special units to apprehend the assailants. Top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, were briefed on the situation and headed to Krasnogorsk.

The attack prompted heightened security measures, with the US embassy cautioning citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced the cancellation of all sports, cultural, and public events in the capital over the weekend.

As rescue efforts continue and the investigation unfolds, the tragic incident underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding public spaces.

(Agencies)

News

Financial assistance for from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

27 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

37 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)