Two police officers killed in Moscow explosion: details of the incident and the investigation
A serious security incident occurred in Moscow, the Russian capital, late Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of two Russian traffic police officers and a suspected terrorist when an explosive device detonated during an attempt to apprehend him. The incident triggered a heightened security presence in the area, and an intensive investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances and motives behind the attack.
Details of the incident and initial investigations
The Russian Investigative Committee stated in an official statement on Wednesday that the explosion occurred when two police officers approached the suspect's car to arrest him in the Yeltsskaya district of southern Moscow. According to preliminary information, the suspect detonated an explosive device he was carrying, killing himself instantly and seriously injuring the two officers, who later died from their wounds. The committee announced the opening of a comprehensive criminal investigation on charges of "attempted murder of law enforcement officers" and "smuggling and possession of explosives," noting that investigators are working to collect forensic evidence from the blast site, which has been completely cordoned off by security forces.
A tense security situation and previous assassinations
This incident cannot be separated from the tense security situation in the Russian capital recently. The explosion occurred in an area very close to the site where, last Monday, General Fanil Sarfarov, head of the Operational Training Department of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, was killed. General Sarfarov was killed by an explosive device planted under his car, raising questions about security breaches or active cells targeting military and security figures deep within Russia.
The repercussions of the war in Ukraine on the Russian interior
This escalation in security comes as part of a series of similar incidents that have recurred since the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Russian territory, including Moscow and border regions, has witnessed several attacks targeting local officials, generals, and public figures supportive of the Kremlin. While Kyiv often maintains official silence regarding these operations, Ukrainian intelligence sources commented on the latest incident, welcoming the "elimination" of the policemen. These sources claimed—without providing concrete evidence—that the two men had previously participated in combat operations inside Ukraine and were involved in the torture of prisoners of war. They also indicated that the perpetrator was a local resident, reflecting the complexity of the internal security landscape in Russia and its direct impact on the ongoing war.
