Somalia condemns ISIS attack in Russia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned the ISIS attack in Moscow, which claimed the lives of over 40 innocent people on Friday, terming the incident as 'unfortunate' and 'unprecedented' while calling for the elimination of terrorists.

According to the state media, Hassan Sheikh expressed his sympathy to the affected people and the government of Russia. Russia has been a close partner of Somalia in the fight against terrorism, including the IS-Somalia militants, who are affiliated with ISIS.

"The President expressed his deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people during this time of sorrow," read the statement.

"The Somali government stands in solidarity with the Russian people at this difficult time and rejects all forms of violence and terrorism," the state media further noted.

Gunmen who opened fire at a Moscow concert hall killed more than 60 people and wounded over 100 while sparking an inferno, authorities said Saturday, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility, AFP reports.

Attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the building, opened fire, and threw a grenade or incendiary bomb, according to a journalist at the scene. Attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the building on Friday, opened fire, and threw a grenade or incendiary bomb, according to a journalist for the RIA Novosti news agency at the scene.

The fire quickly spread through the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow's northern Krasnogorsk suburb, as smoke filled the building and screaming visitors rushed to emergency exits.

Alexei, a music producer, was about to settle into his seat before the start of a concert by Soviet-era rock band Piknik when he heard gunfire and "a lot of screams".

"I realized right away that it was automatic gunfire and understood that most likely it's the worst: a terrorist attack," said Alexei, who would not give his last name.

As people ran towards emergency exits, "there was a terrible crush" with concert-goers climbing on one another's heads to get out, he added.

Russia's Investigative Committee said Saturday that more than 60 people had been killed, raising an earlier toll of 40, according to Russian news agencies.

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 said a "terrorist" investigation had been started and President Vladimir Putin was receiving "constant" updates, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

The Islamic State militants have been fighting across the world with Somalia being one of the victims. Somalia is also battling Al-Shabab militants who are affiliated with al-Qaeda, another group destabilizing most countries across the world.

GAROWE ONLINE