Russian authorities have confirmed that three people were killed in a violent car explosion in the capital, Moscow, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred on Yeletskaya Street in southern Moscow. According to Russia's Investigative Committee, which handles major crimes, the victims were two traffic police officers and a third individual. Officials stated that an "explosive device was triggered" when the officers approached a person they deemed suspicious near their patrol vehicle.
Local reports indicate the blast happened around 1:30 am local time. The area was swiftly cordoned off by a large contingent of police, and investigators have begun reviewing CCTV footage from the scene as part of a newly established criminal case.
Context of Recent Violence
This deadly event follows closely on the heels of another targeted car bombing in Moscow. Earlier this week, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a senior Russian military officer, was killed when a bomb detonated under his vehicle on Yaseneva Street. That attack, which occurred at approximately 7 am on Monday, has been described by Russian investigators as a likely assassination orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services.
General Sarvarov served as the head of the operational training directorate within the Russian military's general staff, a role connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
The latest explosion marks the third bombing in Moscow within the past year to claim the life of a senior Russian officer linked to the invasion of Ukraine. In response, prominent pro-war figures and officials within Russia have called for swift and severe retribution for the attacks.
As the investigation into Wednesday's blast continues, authorities are working to determine the full circumstances and identify those responsible. The incident has heightened tensions in the Russian capital, underscoring the spillover of violence from the war in Ukraine onto Russian soil.
