Putin Asks: How Do Devout Muslims Commit Hideous Atrocities During Ramadan?

💭 Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Monday that a terrorist attack outside Moscow that left almost 140 people dead "was committed by radical Islamists."

In a review of the attack, Putin again on Monday claimed the suspected attackers were captured while trying to flee toward Ukraine. He claimed that it now must be clarified why the terrorists wanted to escape to Ukraine after the bloody deed - "and who was expecting them there."

An offshoot of the Islamic State terrorist group, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) which is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the brutal attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue on Friday night, and published videos of the mass shooting to bolster its claim.

Putin on Monday said investigators still needed to answer several questions.

"How do radical Islamists who claim to be devout Muslims and profess so-called pure Islam come to commit serious atrocities and crimes during the holy month of Ramadan, which is sacred to all Muslims?" he asked.

It also remains to be seen "whether radical and terrorist Islamic organizations are really interested in attacking Russia, which today stands for a just solution to the escalating Middle East conflict," he added.