TOKYO, March 26. /TASS/. The top diplomats of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) fully support Russia's actions to bring to justice those responsible for the terrorist attack on a crowded event at the Crocus City Hall music venue in a Moscow suburb, according to a statement published on the organization's website.
"ASEAN fully supports the efforts of the Government of the Russian Federation in addressing the situation and bringing the perpetrators to justice. ASEAN further underscores the urgent need for a concerted international effort to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in a comprehensive and effective manner. ASEAN stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the Russian Federation during this difficult time and reaffirms its strong commitment to working closely with the international community in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, consistent with the principles outlined in the relevant international conventions and protocols, including the ASEAN Charter," the statement said.
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. The current death toll is 139, and 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.