The Syrian Arab Republic Presidency announced that Syrian President Bashar Assad expressed his condolences to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin following the terrorist attack on the "Crocus City" concert hall. In a condolence message sent to Putin on Saturday, Assad stated: "We express our deep sorrow for the casualties and injuries resulting from the despicable terrorist attack that occurred in a shopping center in the suburbs of Moscow, extending our profound sympathy and condolences to their families and loved ones."
He added in his message: "This cowardly attack that targeted innocent civilians demonstrates the complete inability to deter the Russian people from their principles and their adherence to the sovereignty of their country and the independence of its decisions. It is directly linked to the painful and severe defeats suffered by the new Nazism and its supporters due to the special military operation in Donbas."
He continued: "While we condemn this barbaric act and all the bloodshed committed by terrorists in any part of the world, we affirm our determination to continue with you in our common war against terrorism and cross-border extremism." He concluded: "Our heartfelt condolences to you, praying for mercy for the victims, patience and tranquility for their families, and a speedy recovery for the injured."