A senior Russian general was killed in a bomb blast in Moscow on Tuesday.
The explosion targeted Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who was the head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that Kirillov died in the attack along with his assistant.
Kirillov had served as the commander of the specialized forces responsible for protecting Russia from nuclear, chemical, and biological threats.
The bomb went off outside a residential building on Ryazansky Prospekt, located about 7 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin.
Sources told local news that the explosive device was homemade and hidden inside an electric scooter.
The attack has shocked many, given Kirillov’s high-ranking position in Russia’s military.
The blast occurred in a busy area, and police quickly cordoned off the scene.
Images shared on social media showed the entrance to the building severely damaged by the explosion.
Rubble scattered across the ground, and blood stains were visible in the snow.
The blast left behind a scene of devastation in the heart of Moscow, raising questions about the security of high-ranking officials in Russia’s capital.
Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators of the attack.
However, there are no immediate claims of responsibility.
Kirillov’s death has sent shockwaves through Russia’s military leadership.
He was a key figure in Russia’s efforts to defend the country against chemical and biological threats.
His death is a significant blow to the Russian military, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The explosion occurred on a day that was otherwise calm in Moscow, adding to the confusion and horror of the attack.
Many were left wondering how a bomb could be planted so close to a senior official without detection.
“The loss of General Kirillov is a tragedy for Russia,” a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense said.
“His leadership in the protection of our nation from nuclear and biological threats was invaluable.”
The bombing has raised concerns about the safety of other high-ranking officials in the Russian government.
In the wake of the attack, security measures around the Kremlin and other important government buildings have been stepped up.
Police are investigating the incident, but they have not provided further details about the identity of the attacker or group behind the bombing.
“We are looking into all possible leads,” said a law enforcement official.
The blast came just days after a separate incident in which another senior Russian military figure was targeted by an assassination attempt.
While the motive behind the bombing of General Kirillov remains unclear, analysts are speculating that it could be connected to the ongoing tensions surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“The attack on Kirillov could be seen as a message to Russia’s military leadership,” said Dmitry Peskov, a political analyst in Moscow.
“This could be part of a broader strategy to weaken the Russian military’s capabilities.”
Kirillov’s death has left many wondering whether the Russian government will escalate efforts to crack down on attacks targeting its officials.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, there have been a number of high-profile attacks against Russian figures both within the country and abroad.
Tuesday’s bombing was the first of its kind to directly target a top official involved in Russia’s nuclear and chemical defense strategy.
In recent years, there has been increasing concern over the security of Russia’s military and nuclear facilities, with several reports indicating that the country’s critical infrastructure could be vulnerable to attacks.
