An explosion in southern Moscow killed three people, including two traffic police officers, on Wednesday, Russian authorities said, heightening security concerns in the capital just days after a deadly car bomb attack in the same area.
Explosion during police check
Russia’s Investigative Committee of Russia said the blast occurred when two traffic police officers approached a “suspicious individual”. An explosive device detonated during the interaction, killing the two officers and another person who was standing nearby.
Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said investigators and forensic experts were working at the scene, but did not disclose details about the type of explosive used or the identity of the suspect.
The incident was reported by the Associated Press, citing official sources.
Incident follows car bomb killing
The blast took place in the same part of Moscow where senior Russian military officer Fanil Sarvarov was killed earlier this week. Sarvarov, a lieutenant general and head of the operational training directorate of the Russian armed forces’ general staff, died when an explosive device detonated beneath his vehicle on Monday morning, investigators said.
Russian authorities have suggested that Ukraine may have been behind the car bombing, though no independent confirmation has been provided. The killing of Sarvarov was described as the third assassination of a high-ranking Russian military official in just over a year.
No confirmed link between attacks
Officials have not established any direct connection between Wednesday’s explosion and the earlier car bomb attack. Investigators declined to comment on whether the two incidents were related, emphasising that inquiries were ongoing.
However, the proximity of the two blasts has intensified concerns over public safety and the apparent use of explosive devices in targeted attacks within the Russian capital.
Heightened security in capital
The latest incident underscores growing security challenges in Moscow amid the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine. Authorities are expected to review security protocols, particularly for law enforcement personnel conducting routine checks in public areas.
Residents in southern Moscow reported increased police presence following the blast, as investigators cordoned off the area to conduct detailed examinations.
As investigations continue, officials have urged the public to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement, while refraining from speculation until more details emerge.