Bomb Blast at Central Moscow Restaurant Kills Three, Injures 21; Investigation Underway

MOSCOW: At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after an improvised explosive device detonated at a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, prompting a major security response and an investigation by Russian authorities into the deadly attack.

According to Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the explosion occurred near a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square. The fatalities included the woman believed to have been carrying the explosive device, a security guard who reportedly stopped her from entering the venue, and a restaurant patron. More than 20 people sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Emergency services, bomb disposal experts, and heavily armed security personnel quickly cordoned off the area as investigators began examining the scene. Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the blast and identify any individuals or groups involved in planning the attack.

The restaurant was reportedly hosting a private event at the time of the explosion. While some media reports have suggested that senior military figures may have been present, Russian officials have not confirmed the identities of attendees or indicated whether any specific individual was the intended target.

The incident marks one of the most significant security breaches in the Russian capital in recent months and comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains ongoing.