Moscow: Russia is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident at a Moscow rock concert, which the authorities have classified as a “terrorist attack”.
Here, AFP reflects on prior assaults targeting the city over the past 25 years.
– Apartment building explosion claims 118 lives (1999) –
On September 13, 1999, a bomb detonates at an eight-story apartment building in southeast Moscow, resulting in the loss of 118 lives.
This attack was one of five targeting apartment buildings, resulting in a total of 293 fatalities over a two-week span in Moscow and southern Russia.
Russian authorities attribute the attacks to separatist “terrorist” elements hailing from the primarily Muslim North Caucasus republic of Chechnya.
President Vladimir Putin employs these incidents to justify a crackdown on a separatist insurgency in Chechnya.
– Theatre hostage crisis results in 130 casualties (2002) –
In October 23, 2002, a group of 21 male and 19 female Chechen rebels storm Moscow’s Dubrovka theatre during a musical performance, holding over 800 individuals hostage.
After a standoff lasting two days and three nights, security forces intervene by administering gas into the theatre to subdue the assailants, resulting in the deaths of 130 hostages, primarily due to gas inhalation.
– Rock concert bombing claims 15 lives (2003) –
During a rock concert at the Tushino airfield near Moscow on July 5, 2003, two female suicide bombers, purportedly Chechen separatists, detonate explosives, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and injuries to approximately 50 others.
An estimated 20,000 attendees had gathered to enjoy performances by some of Russia’s prominent bands at the annual Krylya (Wings) festival.
– Metro bombing kills 41 (2004) –
On February 6, 2004, a lesser-known Chechen group triggers an explosion in a crowded Moscow subway during the morning rush hour, claiming the lives of 41 commuters.
– Metro suicide attack claims 40 lives (2010) –
Another instance of suicide bombing occurs on March 29, 2010, when two female assailants detonate explosives on the Moscow subway, resulting in the deaths of 40 individuals.
One of the bombings targets Lubyanka station, adjacent to the headquarters of the FSB intelligence services.
The perpetrators hailed from the volatile North Caucasus region of Dagestan, with the Caucasus Emirate group, led by Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov, claiming responsibility.
– Airport bombing leaves 37 dead (2011) –
On January 24, 2011, a suicide bomber strikes the arrivals hall of Moscow Domodedovo international airport, resulting in the deaths of 37 individuals.
The Caucasus Emirate group asserts responsibility for the attack.
