The recent bombing at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow has led to a rise in the death toll, now confirmed at five. Initial reports indicated three fatalities, among them a security guard likely associated with the Federal Protective Service (FSO), a woman who allegedly delivered the explosive in a gift box, and an unidentified guest whose details remain undisclosed.
According to local news channels, two individuals succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Reports also state that more than six others are in critical condition, with doctors fighting to save their lives. The area surrounding the Stalinist high-rise on Barikadnaya has been cordoned off.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin labeled the incident as a “brutal terrorist act,” assuring the public that law enforcement is actively working to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack and vowed that those responsible will be identified and punished.
Background
- The explosion occurred on August 1 during an event at the restaurant, which is believed to have been celebrating a birthday for a Russian general. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee of Russia has classified the incident as terrorism, noting that initially three people were reported dead and 21 wounded.
- Sources from Russian media suggest that the woman who brought the box told security it contained a gift. The explosion happened during a security check.
- There is speculation that the attack targeted Alexander Chayko, the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, who has been linked to military operations in Ukraine and civilian casualties in other regions.
