The FSB insists that the Ukrainian Intelligence services “were directly related” to the event
May 24. () –
The Russian authorities have this Friday attributed responsibility for the attack perpetrated in March at the Crocus City Hall concert hall to the jihadist group Islamic State for the first time, which left more than 140 dead, although they have reiterated that the Ukrainian Intelligence services “were directly related” to the event.
The director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, stressed that the investigation has made it possible to determine that “the preparations, financing, attack and withdrawal of the terrorists were coordinated via the Internet by the Islamic State Province of Khorasan (ISKP) – the Afghan branch of the jihadist group – in the area of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“The investigation continues, but we can now say with confidence that the Ukrainian Military Intelligence services were directly related to this attack,” he said, before adding that more than 20 people have been arrested in relation to the event, according to what he has collected. the Russian news agency Interfax.
“One of the objectives of those who ordered this terrorist attack is to damage the relations of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) using religious and national factors,” said Bortnikov, who noted that the investigations are receiving support of the authorities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Finally, he stressed that “all the circumstances of this crime will be clarified and none of those involved in it will escape punishment.” “We thank our colleagues, who provide all possible help in these investigations,” he concluded, in reference to the aforementioned international help in the investigations.
Responsibility for the attack on the concert hall, located in the northwest of the Russian capital, Moscow, was claimed by the Islamic State, although Russia has repeatedly pointed to kyiv as responsible. Ukraine has completely disassociated itself from the attack and has denied any connection to the event.
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