A bomb explosion in Moscow on March 15, 2024, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two police officers. The incident occurred near the site where Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was killed two days earlier by a car bomb, an attack that Russian authorities attributed to Ukrainian intelligence. This latest explosion highlights the ongoing violence that has plagued Russian military figures throughout the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.
According to Russia’s State Investigative Committee, the two police officers were killed when they approached a man acting suspiciously in the area. A third victim was also reported, although authorities did not disclose their identity. The committee has initiated criminal proceedings related to the murder of law enforcement personnel and the illegal trafficking of explosives.
Local residents described the scene, with one individual named Alexander recalling the moment of the explosion: “There was an explosion. It was a loud bang – like with the car a few days ago.” Another resident, Roza, reported being awakened by the blast and feeling the building shake.
Reports circulating on unofficial Russian Telegram channels suggested that the bomber may have been one of the deceased, claiming he detonated the device when approached by the officers. Reuters has not independently verified these details.
Context of Violence Against Military Personnel
The blast occurred in close proximity to the site of Lieutenant General Sarvarov‘s assassination, which took place on March 13, 2024. Russian officials have indicated their belief that Ukrainian operatives were involved in this and other high-profile attacks targeting military figures. Over the course of the conflict, numerous Russian military personnel and prominent supporters of the war have been assassinated, with Ukrainian military intelligence claiming responsibility for several incidents.
In an update to its database, Myrotvorets, an unofficial Ukrainian website that catalogs individuals considered war criminals or traitors, listed Sarvarov as “liquidated,” reflecting the ongoing tensions and hostilities between the two nations.
While Russia has voiced suspicions regarding Ukrainian involvement in these attacks, there has been no official response from Ukraine regarding the recent bombing or the earlier assassination of General Sarvarov. The situation continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the broader implications for security in the region.
