Moscow [Russia], March 31: Nine people have been arrested in the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan one week after a terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall event centre near Moscow left more than 140 dead, Russian state media reported.
The men, who allegedly had links to the four main suspects held in Moscow, were detained in a suburb of the Tajik capital Dushanbe, according to Russian state news agency Ria Novosti. Russian forces were also involved in the arrest operation, the outlet reported, citing security sources.
Meanwhile, the death toll from last week's attack has risen to 144 and the number of injured to 382, according to Russian authorities.
One week ago, four gunmen opened fire on concert-goers at the Crocus City Hall venue in the north-western outskirts of Moscow. They also set fire to the building, collapsing its roof.
The terrorist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident, the worst attack in Russia for years.
Russian officials have blamed Islamist terrorists but also hinted that they could have acted on behalf of Ukraine or its Western supporters. They have not provided any evidence for this and Kiev has rejected the accusations. Some 20 people have been detained in connection with the attack so far.
Source: Qatar Tribune