FSB boss Bortnikov: Four terror suspects arrested – officially 93 dead in terrorist attack

23 Mar 2024 08:47 am

Russian authorities have apparently managed to arrest four terror suspects who are accused of carrying out the terrorist attack on a concert in Moscow on Friday. The death toll has now officially risen to 93.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported at 11 a.m. Moscow time (9 a.m. CET) that the head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, reported to Vladimir Putin the arrest of eleven people, including four terrorists, who were directly involved in the terrorist attack in Moscow. The Kremlin also confirms this.

The suspected perpetrators intended to cross the border between Russia and Ukraine and had relevant contacts on the Ukrainian side, according to the FSB.

Previously, the usually well-informed MP Alexander Hinstein, who is well connected to security authorities, had published the following report:

"According to preliminary information, the Renault driven by the suspects was located at night near the village of Khazun, Karachinsky district, Bryansk region. The car did not stop at the request of law enforcement authorities and tried to escape.

During the pursuit, a shot was fired and the car overturned. One terrorist was arrested on the spot, the others fled into the forest. During the search at approximately 3:50 a.m., the second suspect was located and arrested. The search for the others continues. All law enforcement agencies are involved in the operation.

A PM pistol, a magazine for an AKM assault rifle and the passports of Tajik citizens were found in the cabin of the Renault.

This photo is intended to show the Renault at the scene of the arrest:

The Russian State Road Administration announced this morning that traffic on the M3 "Ukraine" highway in the Bryansk region is restricted. The M3 route connects Moscow with Kiev and runs through the Kaluga and Bryansk regions.

On a video from a car dash cam from Friday evening, a white Renault could be seen in front of the entrance to the "Crocus City Hall", where yesterday's terrorist attack took place, from which several people got out, whereupon volleys of gunfire were immediately heard . A search was then carried out for the white Renault.

The investigators have now revised the number of victims of the terrorist attack on Friday evening in the Moscow Concert Hall upwards. It is currently clear that the number of deaths is 93, according to the official statement from the State Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. The death toll is expected to rise. According to preliminary information, the causes of death were gunshot wounds and poisoning by combustion products.

An investigative team made up of investigators, forensic experts and experts from the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation continues to work at the scene of the accident. State investigators say the investigation into the concert hall's premises and the seizure of evidence is continuing, while rescue workers are clearing the rubble, video surveillance footage is being evaluated and work with the victims has begun.

Preliminary results of the concert hall investigation indicate that the terrorists used automatic weapons in the attack, which were found and confiscated by investigators along with the ammunition left behind. This evidence is currently undergoing ballistic, genetic and fingerprint testing.

It was also found that the terrorists used a flammable liquid to set fire to the concert hall building, where there were spectators, including injured people.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation also confirms the arrest of four terror suspects.