A senior Russian military official was killed on Tuesday in Moscow when an explosive device hidden in a scooter detonated outside a building, according to investigators.
Igor Kirillov, the commander of Russia’s armed forces’ chemical, biological, and radiation defense troops, was killed along with his deputy when the blast occurred as they were leaving a building in southeastern Moscow early that morning.
Read Also: Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Releases First Statement Since His Ouster
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that an explosive device concealed in a scooter parked near the entrance of a residential building detonated on the morning of December 17 on Ryazansky Avenue.
The explosion shattered several windows and caused significant damage to the building’s front door, with images released by Russian media showing the aftermath.
Kirillov, who had held his position since 2017, was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in October over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.
The attack comes as Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine approaches its third anniversary.