From Beslan To Moscow Concert Hall: Deadliest ‘Terror Attacks’ Russia Witnessed During Putin’s 25 Years

Moscow Terror Attack: Russia is grappling with the aftermath of a mass shooting and fire at a rock concert in Moscow, deemed a “terrorist attack” by the government. This incident, which unfolded on March 23, marks the deadliest act of terrorism in Russia in the past two decades. 

Here’s a look at the attacks the city has endured over the last 25 years: 

Apartment Building Bombings (1999): On September 13, 1999, a devastating bomb explosion rocked an eight-story apartment building in southeast Moscow, claiming the lives of 118 people. According to a report by the Moscow Times, this attack was part of a series targeting apartment buildings across Moscow and southern Russia, leaving a total of 293 people dead over a two-week period. The Russian government attributed these attacks to separatist “terrorists” from Chechnya.

Theatre Hostage Crisis (2002): On October 23, 2002, 40 Chechen rebels stormed Moscow’s Dubrovka theatre during a musical performance, seizing over 800 hostages. Reports say that the standoff lasted for two days and ended tragically when security forces deployed gas to subdue the attackers. About 130 hostages lost their lives, primarily due to gas inhalation, DW reported. 

Rock Concert Suicide Bombing (2003): Two female suicide bombers, identified as Chechen separatists, detonated explosives during a rock concert at Tushino airfield on July 5, 2003, resulting in the death of 15. Approximately 50 concertgoers were injured. The attack occurred during the annual Krylya (Wings) festival, attracting around 20,000 attendees.

Metro Bombing, 41 Dead (2004): A little-known Chechen group orchestrated a bomb detonation in a packed Moscow subway during morning rush hour on February 6, 2004, resulting in 41 deaths.

Metro Suicide Attack, 40 Dead (2010): On March 29, 2010, two female suicide bombers targeted the Moscow subway, killing 40 people. The bombers hailed from Dagestan, a volatile region within the North Caucasus, with responsibility claimed by the Caucasus Emirate group led by Chechen rebel Doku Umarov, as reported by Moscow Times.

Domodedovo Airport Attack (2011): On January 24, 2011, tragedy struck Moscow Domodedovo International Airport when a suicide bomber detonated explosives in the arrivals hall, claiming the lives of 37 people. The Caucasus Emirate group claimed responsibility for this devastating assault.

READ | Moscow Attack: Putin Vows To Punish ‘Whoever’ Behind Terrorism, Zelenskyy Denounces ‘Blame Game’ — Top Points