Moscow restaurant blast kills 3; mayor calls it 'brutal terrorist attack'

A blast at a luxury restaurant in Moscow claimed at least three lives on Sunday, prompting the city's mayor to label the incident a "brutal terrorist attack." The explosion occurred near the Kudrinskaya Square, a central Moscow location, around 8:10 p.m. local time.

“

The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Those responsible for the crime will certainly be caught and brought to justice.

Initial theories suggested a gas leak, but Russian authorities quickly confirmed the blast stemmed from an improvised explosive device. Reports indicate an unidentified woman attempted to carry the device into the restaurant, and an explosion occurred as security personnel tried to intervene. The deceased include the woman carrying the device, a security guard, and one patron.

Independent Russian media have suggested the attack may have targeted a birthday celebration for Gen. Aleksandr Sytnik, commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, who was reportedly at the venue. However, Russian authorities have not officially confirmed a motive or perpetrator, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“

The brutal terrorist attack in Moscow yesterday claimed several lives.

This incident follows warnings from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) earlier this year about potential attacks targeting high-ranking military and government officials in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. The FSB had announced plans to enhance security measures across major Russian cities.

“

The victims' families and friends have my deepest condolences.