US warns of attack in Moscow, Putin decries provocation as IS claims concert assault

The US authorities announced in March information about a planned attack in Moscow, confirmed officially. Adrienne Watson, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, provided the confirmation. The information highlighted the possibility of attacks at concerts.

"Earlier this month, the US government had information about a potential terrorist attack targeting large gatherings, including concerts, which prompted the State Department to issue a public warning to Americans in Russia," Watson stated in a message sent to the media on Friday.

"The US authorities shared this information with the Russian authorities, following the long-established policy of 'duty to warn,'" she added.

On March 7, the US embassy in Moscow issued a warning to US citizens in Russia to avoid large gatherings, including concerts, for 48 hours. The warning was issued in response to a potential attack by "extremists."

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized these warnings just three days before the attack on Friday, which was claimed by the Islamic State. Putin claimed they were provocations aimed at destabilizing society and "resembled blackmail".

On Friday, armed assailants attacked the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation reported overnight that more than 60 people were killed in the attack. "Unfortunately, the number of dead may increase," was noted in the statement.

At least 140 people were injured. Of these, 115—including five children—were taken to hospitals. 60 adults and a child are critically ill.