The United States (US) warned Russian authorities in early March of a possible terrorist attack targeting a “large gathering” in Moscow, the White House said on Friday (22/3). This was said several hours after a mass shooting incident that killed at least 60 people outside the Russian capital.
“Earlier this month, the US government was informed of a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, including concerts” and Washington “shared this information with Russian authorities,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said.
Watson said US President Joe Biden's administration is adhering to a long-standing “duty to warn” policy, under which the US alerts countries or groups when it receives intelligence about a specific threat to kidnap or kill multiple victims.
Gunmen opened fire at a Moscow concert hall earlier in the day killing more than 60 people, wounding more than 100 and starting a fire, authorities said. The ISIS group claimed responsibility.
US officials told AFP they believed ISIS's claim of responsibility was credible.
Russia's Investigative Committee said on Saturday that more than 60 people were killed, adding to the previous toll of 40, according to Russian news agencies. (ah/ft)