As of 16:00 Moscow time, the Russian Investigative Committee stated that the terrorist attack claimed the lives of at least 133 individuals, with at least 140 more being injured. The death toll is expected to rise. Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent company, Rossiya Segodnya, reported that the fatality toll had risen to 143.
According to the Russia's Federal Security Service, as a result of the actions of special services and law enforcement officers, 11 suspects were detained, including four terrorists who were directly involved in the terrorist attack. It is noteworthy that these four were captured on the border with Ukraine.
The tragedy caused commotion among many people. Condolences for the dead and wounded, as well as strong condemnation of the terrorist attack, continue to pour in from all corners of the world — from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation. He called the attack "bloody and barbaric," saying that investigative and law enforcement agencies "will do everything" to establish all the details of this crime. He assured that the terrorists will face “retribution and oblivion.” Putin also declared March 24 a day of national mourning.
Take a look at the Sputnik Africa's gallery to see the aftermath of the attack and how Russians express their grief.