US detains key suspect in Crocus City Hall terror attack

The US Department of Justice has announced the detention of Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspected key figure in planning the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice, Sharifullah, a member of ISIS, is accused of instructing individuals involved in the attack on the use of automatic weapons and identifying those involved in the plot, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Sharifullah has also been charged with participating in hostilities against US troops in Afghanistan and attacking American servicemen, further complicating his criminal record.

The tragic attack, which took place during a concert by the band “Picnic,” saw four armed terrorists open fire on the audience before setting the venue ablaze. The assault resulted in 145 deaths and left over 550 others injured. In response, Russia’s Investigative Committee initiated a criminal investigation into the attack, which was completed in record time – less than a year, according to Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Committee.

In the wake of the attack, the Russian authorities arrested more than 10 individuals, with a larger investigation still underway.

Earlier this month, the Russian State Duma called for the permanent closure of Crocus City Hall, the venue of the deadly assault.

By Vafa Guliyeva