Dozens killed in Moscow concert hall attack, Islamic State claims responsibility

The death toll in the shooting incident near Russia's Moscow on Friday has risen to 62 people, according to Russia's Baza news outlet, citing preliminary information.

Russian Federal Security Service earlier reported that at least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured as a result of a terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow.

Russia's Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said 115 people were hospitalized, including five children, one of whom was in grave condition. Of the 110 adult patients, 60 were in serious condition.

Authorities have initiated a "terrorist" investigation, and President Vladimir Putin is receiving constant updates on the attack, according to his spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, stating its fighters attacked "a large gathering" on Moscow's outskirts and "retreated to their bases safely."

Ukraine's presidency and the Freedom of Russia Legion, whose fighters are part of Ukraine's armed forces, denied any role in the concert hall attack.

At least five gunmen began shooting civilians cowering in the Crocus City Hall just before the Soviet-era rock group "Picnic" was about to perform to a full house at the 6,200-seat theater.

Telegram news channels Baza and Mash, which have close ties to security forces, showed video images of flames and black smoke pouring from the hall.

Three helicopters were involved in efforts to put out the fire, dumping water on the giant concert hall. Shortly after midnight, the emergencies ministry said the fire had been contained.

The death toll made it one of the worst attacks on Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege when Islamist militants took more than 1,000 people, including hundreds of children, hostage.

Russian Railways has increased security measures on trains and railway stations in connection with the attack, according to the railway operator.

Security measures have been strengthened at transport infrastructure facilities and in crowded places in the Moscow region, the regional department of transport said on social media.

Condemnation

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the incident as a "terrible tragedy" during the concert by Russian rock band Piknik and canceled all public events in the city for the weekend. 

"I offer my condolences to the families of the dead," said the mayor as a major security operation was launched around the theater and nearby shopping mall. 

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said it had been a "bloody terrorist attack." "The whole international community must condemn this odious crime," she said on Telegram.

Previous warnings

Moscow and other Russian cities have been the targets of previous attacks by Islamist groups, but there have also been incidents without any clear political motive. 

Earlier this month, the U.S. embassy in Russia issued a warning about "extremists with imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow," including concerts. 

In 2002, Chechen separatist fighters seized 912 people hostage in Moscow's Dobrovka theatre, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the region. 

Special forces stormed the theatre to end the hostage situation, resulting in the deaths of 130 people, nearly all of whom suffocated due to a gas used by security forces to knock out the gunmen. 

(With input from agencies)