Death toll rises to 115 in Moscow concert hall attack

The death toll has risen to 115 following the attack on a concert hall near the Russian capital, Moscow, on Friday night. Russia’s Investigative Committee indicated that the victims died from gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation. During the attack, a fire broke out, which authorities say was arson, caused by the perpetrators using a flammable liquid. Shootings and explosions occurred at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, just outside Moscow. By midnight, the fire was largely extinguished. Eleven people have been arrested, with four directly involved in the attack. ISIS has claimed responsibility, but Russian authorities have not confirmed their involvement. The FSB alleges the attackers had ties to Ukraine, though there are no known links suggesting Ukraine’s involvement. The incident coincides with ongoing drone attacks in Russia attributed to Ukraine and a U.S. warning of extremist plans to attack large gatherings in Moscow earlier in March.