At Least Three Dead in Moscow Restaurant Bomb Attack

A bomb attack at a central Moscow restaurant on Saturday killed at least three people and injured approximately twenty others, according to the National Antiterrorist Committee (NAC).

The explosion occurred at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, located near the Russian capital's zoo. Initial reports suggest the blast was triggered by a homemade bomb carried by a woman attempting to bring it into the establishment. Witnesses told the Telegram channel Astra that among the deceased were the woman, a security guard, and a customer. Unconfirmed reports indicated a general might have been celebrating a birthday at the restaurant at the time.

The device had an explosive power equivalent to nearly a kilogram of TNT. The detonation reportedly occurred remotely after a security guard decided to inspect the suspicious package the woman was carrying. The daily Kommersant published details consistent with this version of events.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in major urban centers. The NAC's confirmation of the casualties and the nature of the device points to a deliberate act of violence, prompting an investigation into the motives and perpetrators behind the attack.