Russian media report that an explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow Saturday night killed at least three people and seriously wounded 15. Unofficial media said the blast occurred during a celebration for a senior general or elite figure.
A powerful explosion struck a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday night, killing at least three people and seriously wounding 15, according to Russian media reports. Unofficial reports indicate the blast occurred during a private celebration for a senior general, identified in the thread as General Alexander Chayko, commander of Russia's space forces.
The story unfolded rapidly tonight. Initial reports at 20:42 Jerusalem time stated that three people were killed and 21 wounded at the Balsi Rossi restaurant in Kudrinskaya Square, with the cause unknown. Within minutes, further reports emerged: the restaurant was closed for a private event, and the blast was initially attributed to a gas cylinder. Unverified reports then said several senior officers were present. By 20:42, Russian media identified the venue as the Blazy Rossi restaurant, hosting a birthday party for General Chayko, with 3 killed and 20 wounded. General Chayko was later confirmed as the target. Russian state news agency TASS, citing officials, reported 3 killed and 15 wounded near a cafe. The most recent update described the incident as a suicide bombing, with an explosive device carried onto a balcony by an individual who may have been unaware of the bomb. The Maybach of State Duma member Zelimkhan Matsuyev was found in the parking lot.
The incident comes amid an ongoing campaign of Ukrainian aerial attacks on Moscow, as The Zioneer reported on July 28 when 390 Ukrainian drones struck the capital, causing a fire at a distribution center. Additionally, unconfirmed reports in June suggested a senior Russian official was injured in a Ukrainian attack.
Several questions remain open. The identity of the perpetrator and the motive for the attack have not been officially confirmed. It is unclear whether the bombing was a Ukrainian-directed operation or an internal act. The fate of General Chayko and other officers present has not been reported.
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