. On March 22, 2024, a terrorist attack was carried out in Moscow at Crocus City Hall. 145 people were killed, most by gunshot wounds and others by smoke inhalation, as the concert hall was set ablaze during the attack. ISIS-Khorasan Province, a chapter of the Islamic State based in Afghanistan and Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. Although no official incentives were given by the group, an article published in the Atlantic Council states that motives could include “Russian support for the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria,” (which is fighting against ISIS in the three-sided conflict that has stood at a shaky ceasefire since 2021) and “Russian cooperation with Iran and other Middle Eastern governments that Sunni jihadists regard as enemies.”
. Shortly after the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who won reelection only a few days prior in an election many global leaders condemned as ‘rigged,’ accused the attacker of conspiring with Ukraine, despite their Tajik nationality. He further stated that the attackers planned to escape to Ukraine after the attack, though this statement was dismissed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who admitted that the attacker first tried to enter Belarus.
. The United States claimed to have known about the attack and warned Russian officials days before it happened. Although Russian officials reject having received a warning, the US embassy in Moscow warned its citizens to avoid public spaces in the days before the attack.
. 11 people were detained by Russian authorities following the attack. Their treatment during detainment has been a subject of widespread controversy, as the detained attackers are believed to have experienced abuse during interrogation. One of the detainees is suspected to have had their ear cut off.
. Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, ISIS has been able to shelter in the country and grow its forces. According to an article written by the Wall Street Journal, many former members of the Afghan army and spies for the US, and ‘hunted by the Taliban and lacking income,’ and thus “provide recruits for extremist groups.” The US withdrawal allowed for further conflict between the rival terrorist groups, with ISIS ramping up attacks on the Taliban following the fall of Kabul in 2021.
. The attack at Crocus City Hall was the most deadly IS-related terrorist attack in 2024, overtaking the Kermen, Iran bombing that killed 103 people at a service for slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Russia has also been subject to several large-scale terrorist attacks in the 21st century, mostly by Chechen militants who fought for the independence of the Republic of Chechnya. Notable attacks include the Moscow theater hostage crisis (2002) that killed 132 and injured 700. and the Beslan school siege (2004) that killed 334, mostly children. Though Chechen militant attacks have died down since Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Chechen Republic, pledged his loyalty to Putin, tension remains as some Chechens fight on both sides of the Russian-Ukraine War.
. Anti-immigrant and anti-Tajik sentiment has been prevalent in Russia following the attack, and the Tajik embassy in Russia encouraged its citizens to avoid public events and shelter in their homes. According to an article written by the BBC, “Every year, Russian authorities carry out large anti-migrant campaigns, launching dozens of raids on Central Asian businesses, mosques, and places of gathering. Last year’s campaign reportedly resulted in more than 15,000 migrants being deported.”
