US has intelligence confirming Islamic State responsibility for Russia attack

23/3/2024 12:57

        The United States has intelligence confirming Islamic State's claim of responsibility for a deadly shooting at a concert near Moscow, two U.S. officials said on Friday.
        
        The officials said the United States had warned Russia in recent weeks about the possibility of an attack.
        
        Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said, "Earlier this month, the U.S. government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia. The U.S. government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding 'duty to warn' policy."
        
        At least 60 people were killed and 145 wounded on Friday when camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons on concertgoers near Moscow in one of the deadliest attacks on Russia in decades.
        
        The Islamic State, the militant group that once sought control over swathes of Iraq and Syria, claimed responsibility for the attack, the group's Amaq agency said on Telegram.