At least three people, including two police officers, have been killed in an explosion on Yeletskaya Street in Moscow, Russian authorities said.
According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, the incident occurred when two traffic police officers approached a “suspicious individual” near a police vehicle.
The suspect reportedly detonated an explosive device as the officers attempted to detain him. The blast killed the two officers and a civilian who was standing nearby.
The officers have been identified by Russian media as Ilya Klimanov, 24, and Maxim Gorbunov, 25.
A spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, Svetlana Petrenko, confirmed via Telegram that a criminal investigation has been opened “regarding an attempt on the lives of traffic police officers.”
The explosion comes days after a senior Russian general, Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, 56, was killed in a car bombing in Moscow. Sarvarov, head of the armed forces’ operational training department, died when an explosive device planted under his car detonated.
Russian authorities have suspected Ukrainian involvement, although Ukraine has not commented on the claim.
Residents near the scene reported a loud blast. Alexander, who lives nearby, told Reuters:
“There was an explosion. It was a loud bang like with the car a few days ago.”
Sarvarov’s death marked the third bombing targeting military officials in Moscow in the past year. It is unclear whether the two recent explosions are linked.
The investigation into the Yeletskaya Street blast is ongoing.
BBC.
