Homemade explosive carried by woman kills three, wounds at least 21 at Moscow restaurant

An explosion near an upscale restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening killed three people and injured at least 21, authorities reported. The blast, caused by a homemade bomb carried by a woman, occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time outside the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant, located near Kudrinskaya Square.

According to Russia's Anti-Terrorism Committee, the woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. The subsequent explosion killed the woman, the security guard, and a customer. The injured sustained wounds of varying severity, police said. Law enforcement officers cordoned off the area following the incident.

While authorities have not officially identified the victims or potential perpetrators, reports from the Kommersant daily newspaper, citing sources, suggest the bomb was designed to inflict mass casualties on patrons enjoying the restaurant's summer terrace. There is speculation that the bomb may have been detonated remotely, and the woman carrying it might have been unaware of its explosive nature.

The incident occurs more than four years into Russia's full-scale war with Ukraine. Earlier this year, Russia's FSB security service announced increased protection for high-ranking military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted killings that Kyiv was blamed for. The restaurant's website indicated it was closed for a private event on Saturday.