Five dead in Moscow restaurant blast; terror attack probe launched

An explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in Moscow on Saturday evening has killed five people and injured at least 21, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into a terrorist attack. The blast occurred on Kudrinskaya Square in the city center.

Radio Svoboda reported that two more individuals died in the hospital from their injuries, with six others in serious condition. Initially, media reports suggested a gas installation explosion, but Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK) later stated that an improvised explosive device detonated at the venue. State media indicated that a woman, who died at the scene, detonated the device.

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened an investigation, considering the possibility of a device placed in a gift-wrapped box. According to this theory, the woman who brought the package was unaware of its contents, and the device was intended to be detonated remotely. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the target remains officially undisclosed.

However, Russian media and social media platforms are circulating speculation that the target may have been General Aleksandr Chayko, commander of Russia's Aerospace Forces, who was reportedly celebrating his 55th birthday at the restaurant. Anonymous Telegram channels have suggested he was the intended victim. Initial reports indicated that besides the woman, a security guard who tried to prevent her entry and a restaurant guest were among the fatalities.