Moscow, Aug. 2: At least three people were killed and 21 others injured in a powerful explosion outside a popular Italian restaurant near central Moscow on Saturday evening, in what Russian authorities described as a suspected suicide bombing.
According to Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK), the blast occurred around 8:00 p.m. local time near Kudrinskaya Square. Preliminary findings indicate that a woman carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), either on her body or in a bag, attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard at the entrance. The explosive detonated moments later.
The suspected attacker, the security guard, and a restaurant guest were killed in the explosion. Twenty-one other people sustained injuries, several of them seriously.
The restaurant is located in one of Moscow’s historic Stalin-era high-rise buildings. A private event was reportedly taking place inside at the time of the blast. Witnesses described scenes of panic as emergency responders evacuated bloodied victims from the area.
Initial reports suggested the explosion originated in the restaurant’s kitchen. However, the restaurant later clarified that the blast occurred outside the entrance and that the interior of the establishment remained undamaged.
Russian security forces quickly sealed off the area, closing nearby roads and cancelling a scheduled evening cycling event. Video released by Russian state media showed heavily armed security personnel and investigators surrounding the scene.
Russia’s central investigative authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
