At least 18 killed, several wounded after terrorists in combat fatigues fire at crowds in Moscow

At least a dozen people have been killed and many others wounded in what is being described as the most severe terrorist attack in Russia in last two decades as gunmen dressed in combat fatigues entered a large concert hall in Moscow, opening fire and detonating explosives.
The Islamic State group has asserted responsibility for the attack in a statement disseminated on affiliated channels on social media. A US intelligence official told The Associated Press that US intelligence agencies had received information indicating that the group’s branch in Afghanistan was plotting an assault in Moscow. This intelligence was subsequently shared with Russian authorities.

Russian news reports said that the assailants threw explosives, triggering a massive blaze at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow. Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.

White House National Security Advisor John Kirby said Friday that he couldn’t yet speak about all the details but that “the images are just horrible. And just hard to watch.”

“Our thoughts are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack,” Kirby said. “There are some moms and dads and brothers and sisters and sons and daughters who haven’t gotten the news yet. This is going to be a tough day.”