US says 'warned' Russia of possible terror attack a month before

The United States claimed that they had warned the Russian authorities about the possibility of a terror attack targeting "large gatherings" in Moscow, earlier this month.

The statement was given by the White House hours after at least 93 people were killed outside the Russian capital in a mass shooting.

"Earlier this month, the US government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow - potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts" and Washington "shared this information with Russian authorities," said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.

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Also Read:At least 60 killed in 'terrorist attack' at concert hall near Moscow

Watson added that US President Joe Biden's administration had complied with a long-standing "duty to warn" policy in which the nations or groups were alerted by the United States after it received intelligence reports regarding threats to either kill or kidnap multiple victims.

In a strange coincidence, just before March 7, a warning was issued by the US Embassy informing Americans to not go to concert venues.

"The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours," the alert said.

How 'terrorist' shootout rocked Moscow

Some unidentified gunmen opened fire at a crowd gathered at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow in which at least 93 people were killed and 140 others injured.

The shooting took place during Russian rock group Piknik's sold-out concert. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement, shared on Telegram, it said, “Islamic State fighters attacked a large gathering of Christians in the city of Krasnogorsk on the outskirts of the Russian capital, Moscow, killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely.”

Watch:Terror attack in Moscow: US intelligence confirms Islamic state responsibility

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it “categorically rejects the accusations, which Russian officials started to make” against its country following the attack.

Theministry said: "We consider such accusations to be a planned provocation by the Kremlin to further fuel anti-Ukrainian hysteria in Russian society, create conditions for increased mobilisation of Russian citizens to participate in the criminal aggression against our country and discredit Ukraine in the eyes of the international community."

(With inputs from agencies)