RUSSIANS RUSH TO JOIN THE ARMY TO AVENGE THE ATTACK ON THE MOSCOW CONCERT HALL

Wed 03 April 2024:

Russia announced on Wednesday, April 3, that the number of persons signing contracts to enlist in the military forces of the country has dramatically increased. According to a Reuters report, the devastating attack on a music venue outside of Moscow last month, which left at least 144 people dead, is the reason behind the spike in the number of persons enlisting in the Russian army.

Since the year’s beginning, over 100,000 people have signed contracts, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Approximately 16,000 of these have registered in just the last ten days.

In a statement, the ministry said that many recent candidates cited a desire to avenge those killed in the March 22 attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue.

“During interviews conducted over the past week at selection points in Russian cities, most candidates indicated the desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy that occurred on March 22, 2024, in the Moscow region as the main motive for concluding a contract,” it said.

At least 144 people died in the mass shooting attack and the subsequent fire. This is the worst attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege.

Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, which, as per reports, is also the deadliest on European soil by the group.

However, Russia blames Ukraine for the terror incident.

Russian officials, including Alexander Bortnikov, director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), and Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the security council of Russia, have accused Ukraine and its allies, the US, and Britain, of involvement.

“We believe that the action was prepared by both the Islamist radicals themselves and was facilitated by Western special services,” said Bortnikov.

The special services of Ukraine are directly related to this,” he added.

However, there is no evidence to support these claims.

Ukraine has denied involvement in the attack, with officials pointing out that the border area was heavily guarded by the Russian military, including special forces.

“To suggest the suspects were heading to Ukraine, would suggest they were stupid or suicidal,” said Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence directorate in a conversation with BBC.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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