Russia receives Uzbekistan's help in uncovering “Crocus” terrorist attack

Over 20 individuals suspected of involvement in the terrorist attack at "Crocus City Hall" have been detained. This information was disclosed by Alexander Bortnikov, the Director of the Federal Security Service of Russia, during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services of the CIS Member States, which convened in Bishkek.

"On March 22 of this year, a horrific terrorist act occurred at 'Crocus City Hall' in the Moscow region. Hundreds of innocent people, including women and children, lost their lives," Bortnikov stated.

Bortnikov revealed that the full network of individuals involved in the crime is being identified. Over 20 arrests have been made, encompassing both the perpetrators and their accomplices.

He noted that colleagues from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are aiding the Federal Security Service's investigation.

"It has been determined that the planning, financing, execution, and escape of the terrorists were orchestrated by members of the 'Khorasan Province' group based in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region through the Internet. Two of the four terrorists arrived in Russia from Turkey shortly before the attack," Bortnikov explained.

Bortnikov also mentioned that following the attack, the terrorists received explicit orders to head to the Ukrainian border, where an escape route was prepared.

To provide context, the terrorist attack on "Crocus City Hall" took place on March 22 of this year. Gunmen stormed the concert hall, opened fire on the crowd, set the building on fire, and then fled. The attack resulted in 145 fatalities and over 550 injuries. The "Khorasan Province" group of ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.