Russia Allegedly Had Prior Knowledge of ISIS Threat Before Terror Attack
Russia most probably knew of an ISIS threat days ahead of the deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall near the capital Moscow, according to a claim by the UK-based investigative organisation called Dossier Center.
Details from Intelligence Documents
The centre accessed Russian intelligence documents, which allegedly hint towards the involvement of ISIS-K, the Central Asian offshoot of the terror group ISIS.
ISIS Claim of Responsibility
Soon after the attack, which killed 143 people, ISIS claimed responsibility and supported the claim with statements, photos, and a propaganda video filmed by the assailants.
About the ‘Dossier Center’
The Dossier Center is a London-based group run and managed by a critic of the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an exiled former Russian oil tycoon turned Kremlin critic, leads the organization.
US Warning and Russian Response
The US had also warned Russia about such an attack by ISIS, conveying concerns to Moscow under its “duty to warn” policy. The Russian government dismissed the warnings as “provocative,” labeling them as attempts to intimidate and destabilize society.
Questions for Putin
The attack has raised questions about Putin’s regime, with critics suggesting that Moscow could have reacted in time to prevent the tragedy. Former Russian lawmaker Ilya Ponomarev, an exiled Kremlin critic, highlighted the missed warnings and potential for prevention.
