Russia: Enhanced security continues following armed attack at Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow late March 22 /update 4

Enhanced security measures continue as of early March 23 following an armed attack that occurred at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow's Krasnogorsk neighborhood late March 22. Authorities said all victims of the attack have been evacuated from the building, and the fire following the attack has been contained. The incident began at about 20:00 when four or five individuals armed with automatic weapons opened fire on concert-goers, killing at least 60 people and injuring around 115. The building subsequently caught fire, with some witnesses claiming that multiple explosions had occurred. Authorities have as yet released no information concerning the identity or motives of the gunmen; Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, although authorities have not confirmed this.

A significant security presence will almost certainly remain in the area and at transportation hubs throughout Moscow well into at least March 23. Forces from Russia's National Guard (Rosgvardiya) stormed the music hall in an effort to neutralize the gunmen. Authorities have confirmed that one of the attackers has been apprehended, although the others reportedly remain at large. Officials are instructing the public to avoid the area; local residents have also been advised to limit their time outdoors and remain inside with windows, and doors closed to minimize their exposure to smoke from the building fire. Authorities may lock down residential and business areas around the operations area as their response and the search for suspects unfold. Casualty figures will likely rise.

Authorities have announced a number of heightened security measures in response to the attack and advised passengers to arrive early at train stations and airports. Enhanced security is in place at all Moscow airports, including Domodedovo Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA); passenger screening and other security measures have also been tightened at railway stations in the Russian capital, as well as on the city's metro rail system. The Red Square in central Moscow is completely cordoned off, with security personnel deployed at the site. Moreover, all large public gatherings in Moscow have been canceled through at least March 24. Local authorities in several regions elsewhere in the country, including the Leningrad, Vologda, and Voronezh oblasts, as well as the Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Chechen Republic, have also canceled all public events through the weekend and implemented some degree of increased security out of an abundance of caution.