RT reports that the gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives at Crocus City, a large mall and music venue just northwest of the Russian capital on Friday evening.
At least over 40 people have reportedly been killed and about 130 wounded in gunmen attack on Russia's capital, Moscow according to unofficial reports.
At least three individuals armed with assault rifles attacked visitors, as well as targeted a concert hall at the mall, setting it on fire.
SaharaReporters reported that the United States Embassy in Moscow had on March 8, warned that “extremists” were plotting to carry out attacks in the Russian capital within 48 hours.
In the warning published on its website the diplomatic mission, however, warned American citizens to avoid crowded area.
“The embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and US citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the diplomatic mission had said.
It urged Americans to stay vigilant and “monitor local media for updates.” The embassy did not provide any additional details about the alert.
The alert was issued amid the ongoing tensions between Moscow and Washington.
However, reacting to the Friday's attack, the White House has condemned the attack on the mall, describing it as a “terrible” incident.
“The images are just horrible and just hard to watch,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The spokesman also insisted the US possessed no intelligence on the attack, nor does it believe it is somehow linked to Ukraine.
An RT correspondent from the scene reports the attackers have reportedly barricaded themselves inside of the burning building.
The group has apparently not attempted to take hostages or make any statements, shooting people on sight instead.
The incident triggered a massive emergency response, with numerous ambulances, as well as heavily armed police special ops units spotted at the location.