RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned a terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow that killed and injured dozens of people.

At least 40 people were killed and over 100 hurt when gunmen in camouflage clothing opened fire with automatic weapons on people at a concert in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow on Friday, Russia’s FSB security service said.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack via its Telegram channels but Russia is yet to make a final assesment on who is behind the incident.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia’s condolences and sympathy with the families of the deceased, and to the Russian government and people for this “painful incident.”

The Kingdom stressed the importance of combating all forms of extremism and terrorism, the ministry added.

It also called for “security and safety for the Russian Federation and its friendly people, and a speedy recovery for the injured,” the statement said.

The Saudi embassy in Moscow called on citizens to take care and avoid the area around the attack venue, and to adhere to the instructions issued by local authorities. It said citizens can contact the embassy on +79175110815 for emergencies.

The UN  Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, according to spokesman.

The Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi also issued a statement condemning and denouncing the attack.

He emphasized the unwavering and rejecting stance of the GCC towards all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism that aim to undermine security and stability in any region of the world.

Albudaiwi extended his “sincere condolences and sympathy to the Russian government and its people, as well as to the families of the victims of this tragic incident,” and wished a speedy recovery to all the injured.

Spain said Friday it was “shocked” by an attack on a Moscow concert that Russian authorities said left at least 40 dead and 100 injured, saying it “condemns any form of violence.”

“We are shocked by the news from Russia. Our solidarity with the victims, their families and the Russian people. Spain condemns any form of violence,” the Spanish foreign ministry wrote on X, the former Twitter.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned an “odious act of terrorism” after a Moscow concert attack that Russian authorities said killed 40 and injured more than 100.

“The horror of the massacre of innocent civilians in Moscow is unacceptable,” Meloni said in a statement, expressing her “full solidarity with the affected people and the victims’ families.”

The MWL also denounced the “heinous” attack at the concert hall and reaffirmed the organizations stance against all forms and reasons for violence, terrorism and extremism.