Tajik president condemns 'terrorist attack' on concert hall in Russia's Moscow region

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Sunday condemned the "terrorist attack" on the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Russia's Moscow region during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

A statement by the Tajik presidency said Rahmon emphasized that “terrorists have no nationality, no homeland, and no religion,” further expressing his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and his condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack.

"In the mournful hour of national mourning in the Russian Federation, the head of our state emphasized the solidarity of all citizens of Tajikistan with the fraternal Russian people," the statement added.

It also said Rahmon and Putin confirmed their intention to continue close cooperation in fighting "terrorism, extremism, and manifestations of religious radicalism, which pose a serious threat to security."

"In this context, the importance of further strengthening common efforts to maintain contacts and coordination between relevant agencies and services was noted in order to effectively respond to and jointly combat these threats," it concluded.

At least 133 people were killed and 152 others injured after gunmen on Friday opened fire when rock band Picnic was about to perform at the Crocus City Hall just west of Moscow.

Russia's Investigative Committee said it detained 11 people, including four perpetrators, in the border region of Bryansk on their way to Ukraine.