King Mohammed VI writes to Russian President Vladimir Putin

In this message, the sovereign condemned this cowardly criminal act. He also expressed his compassion and solidarity with friendly Russia, and presented his sincere condolences and deep feelings of compassion to the bereaved families and the Russian people. Finally, he implores the Almighty to grant patience and comfort to the President and the Russian people, and a speedy recovery to the wounded, and to welcome the victims in His immeasurable kingdom.

At least 133 people were killed on Friday evening in an armed attack followed by a huge fire in a concert hall in the Moscow suburbs, which was claimed by the Islamic State (IS). A few hours later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad strongly condemned this terrorist attack perpetrated at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow.

On Saturday, the Kremlin announced 11 arrests, including those of 4 suspected assailants. In a speech broadcast on television, Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced a "mass murder", a "bloody and barbaric terrorist act" and promised that "the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the crime will be justly and inevitably punished." He declared this Sunday a national day of mourning.