- There have been numerous attempts by pro-Ukrainian, Russian-origin, and Western mercenaries to lead an offensive on Russian territory in Belgorod under the guise of Russian legion forces.
- Russian military has suggested that there’s a possibility the attack was carried out by the US-sponsored ISIS Central Asia wing which is known for its Wahabi-style terror attacks like the one that transpired yesterday.
- While Russia views Syria as an ally and is assisting President Assad’s army in fighting ISIS, the latter wants to claim autonomy in parts of Syria that are opposed to Assad’s authority.
The terror attack on the Crocus Hall Centre in western Moscow has resulted in over 100 injuries and 40 confirmed deaths as per the latest reports. Five individuals in camouflage, armed with machine guns and Molotov cocktails were involved in the horrendous attack.
The US and UK embassies in Russia issued a warning about an impending terrorist strike back on March 8. However, the embassy said it doesn’t have any more details on it. Considering everything, it’s critical to comprehend the timing of this development, since it coincides with Russia’s largest aerial campaign in Ukraine since the SMO’s inception, which is primarily directed towards the country’s energy infrastructure.
However, there have been numerous attempts by pro-Ukrainian, Russian-origin, and Western mercenaries to lead an offensive on Russian territory in Belgorod under the guise of Russian legion forces. The GUR (Ukrainian Main Intelligence Unit) is said to oversee all such efforts against Russia. Nevertheless, the earlier attempts were stopped and neutralised. However, it must be noted that Russia launched its largest aerial attack yesterday, the same day the terror attack occurred at the Crocus Hall.
It is interesting to note that Ukraine had declared its intention to attack the Russian mainland to give the impression that Russia is at war. All such precedents strongly suggest as to who might be in charge of the deadly terror attack.
Even though Ukraine denies involvement in the Crocus Hall attack, their participation cannot be completely discounted. More significantly, the situation could change if the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) discovers any proof of their involvement. Russia could change its strategy against Ukraine and explore options they haven’t yet explored.
ISIS Claims Responsibility
ISIS took credit for the attack shortly after it happened, and it’s crucial to realise that many terrorists with anti-Kremlin sympathies from Chechnya have joined the group, spreading unrest throughout central Asia. However, it must also be noted that the Russian military has suggested that there’s a possibility the attack was carried out by the US-sponsored ISIS Central Asia wing which is known for its Wahabi-style terror attacks like the one that transpired yesterday.
Given that both Russia and ISIS are engaged in combat in Syria, there are some obvious distinctions between the two. While Russia and Iran view Syria as an ally and are assisting President Assad’s army in fighting ISIS, the latter wants to claim autonomy in parts of Syria that are opposed to President Assad’s authority.
(Aayush is a post-graduate student in International Relations at Kalinga University, Raipur. Views and opinions expressed are the author’s own)
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Dhruv Ashok