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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned a terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow that killed and injured dozens of people.

At least 40 people were killed and over 100 hurt when gunmen in camouflage clothing opened fire with automatic weapons on people at a concert in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow on Friday, Russia’s FSB security service said.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack via its Telegram channels but Russia is yet to make a final assesment on who is behind the incident.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia’s condolences and sympathy with the families of the deceased, and to the Russian government and people for this “painful incident.”

The Kingdom stressed the importance of combating all forms of extremism and terrorism, the ministry added.

It also called for “security and safety for the Russian Federation and its friendly people, and a speedy recovery for the injured,” the statement said.

The Saudi embassy in Moscow called on citizens to take care and avoid the area around the attack venue, and to adhere to the instructions issued by local authorities. It said citizens can contact the embassy on +79175110815 for emergencies.

The UAE, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain have also expressed their condemnation of the attack, and extended their sympathy to the victims as well as the Russian government.

In statements released through their foreign affairs ministries, the Gulf and Arab states also rejected all forms of violence that undermined security and stability and contravene all human and religious values and principles.

The UN  Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, according to spokesman.

The Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi also issued a statement condemning and denouncing the attack.

He emphasized the unwavering and rejecting stance of the GCC towards all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism that aim to undermine security and stability in any region of the world.

The UN Security Council also offered its condolences and urged all states “to cooperate actively” with the Russian government and other authorities to hold perpetrators and backers of “these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.”

“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack,” their statement said.

The White House sent its condolences to the victims of the “terrible” shooting, saying it was trying to get more information.

“Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible shooting attack,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. “The images are just horrible and just hard to watch.”

The White House also said that the United States warned Russian authorities earlier in March about a “planned terrorist attack” possibly targeting “large gatherings” in Moscow.

President Xi Jinping “strongly condemned” the attack and sent his condolences to Putin, state media reported.

Xi “stressed that China opposes all form of terrorism, strongly condemns the terrorist attack and firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to safeguard its national security and stability,” Xinhua news agency said.

The European Union said it was “shocked and appalled” by the Moscow attack.

“The EU condemns any attacks against civilians. Our thoughts are with all those Russian citizens affected,” said an EU spokesman.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he “strongly condemns the terrorist attack claimed by the Islamic State,” according to the Elysee Palace.

“France expresses its solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and all the Russian people,” the palace said.

Albudaiwi extended his “sincere condolences and sympathy to the Russian government and its people, as well as to the families of the victims of this tragic incident,” and wished a speedy recovery to all the injured.

Spain said Friday it was “shocked” by an attack on a Moscow concert that Russian authorities said left at least 40 dead and 100 injured, saying it “condemns any form of violence.”

“We are shocked by the news from Russia. Our solidarity with the victims, their families and the Russian people. Spain condemns any form of violence,” the Spanish foreign ministry wrote on X, the former Twitter.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned an “odious act of terrorism” after a Moscow concert attack that Russian authorities said killed 40 and injured more than 100.

“The horror of the massacre of innocent civilians in Moscow is unacceptable,” Meloni said in a statement, expressing her “full solidarity with the affected people and the victims’ families.”

The MWL also denounced the “heinous” attack at the concert hall and reaffirmed the organizations stance against all forms and reasons for violence, terrorism and extremism.

• with AFP