Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday called the Moscow concert hall attack in which 143 people lost their lives a “barbaric terrorist act”. He also announced a day of nationwide mourning in the country on March 24.

Addressing the nation via a televised speech, Putin condemned the heinous attack, stating, “I am speaking to you today in connection with the bloody, barbaric terrorist act, the victims of which were dozens of innocent, peaceful people. … I declare 24 March a day of national mourning”.

Putin also said that the four gunmen who killed more than 100 at a Moscow concert hall had been arrested, and promised severe repercussions for all those involved in orchestrating the assault.  

“All four perpetrators of the terrorist act who shot and killed people have been detained. They were travelling towards Ukraine … We will identify and punish everybody who stood behind the terrorists, who prepared the attack.”

Earlier, Militant Islamist group Islamic State claimed full responsibility for Friday’s attack but there were indications that Russia was pursuing a Ukrainian link, despite emphatic denials from Ukrainian officials that Kyiv had anything to do with it.

(With agency inputs)