MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. The heads of Arab countries' embassies and the Arab League’s mission in Moscow have strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall at a meeting with the Russian President's Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
"Arab diplomats conveyed their condolences in connection with the death of civilians as a result of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert hall on March 22. It was emphasized that the Arab world strongly condemns the manifestation of any form of violence and extremism against innocent people," the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
It said Russia expressed gratitude for "the solidarity and support shown by Arab friends" and stressed the importance of teaming up to fight terrorism.
On the evening of March 22, a terrorist attack targeted the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, just over the Moscow city limits. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the current death toll is 137, but may rise. The Moscow Region Health Ministry said that 182 people were injured.
Eleven individuals suspected of being involved in the terrorist attack have been apprehended, including four gunmen who were detained in the Bryansk Region, southwest of Moscow, as they attempted to seek refuge by crossing the nearby Ukrainian border.
President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address that, according to preliminary information, the Ukrainian side had prepared "a window" in the border especially for the terrorists to cross undetected. He promised to identify and punish all those who were behind the attack on Crocus City Hall and declared March 24 a day of national mourning for the victims.