Russian general killed in Moscow car explosion: Investigation underway
Russian media report that a car explosion in Moscow has killed Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, the Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia.
According to the "112" channel, which is linked to Russia's security services, residents initially heard an explosion and then saw a fire in the yard.
It was first suspected that a gas tank caused the explosion, but this theory has been dismissed.
Rescue services have stated that the explosion was caused by an explosive device.
The Baza channel reports that the explosion happened around 10:40 AM Moscow time, as Gen. Moskalik was walking past a Volkswagen parked near the building.
"The force of the explosion threw the general several yards away," the report states.
The pro-Russian Mash channel also confirms the general's death.
According to the Shot channel, the explosive device was placed near the rear left door of the vehicle. The channel refers to initial findings by experts at the scene.
"The explosive material was deliberately placed there because the left side of the car was closer to the building from which Yaroslav Moskalik was exiting," claims the Shot channel.
The Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on these reports.
The Russian Investigative Committee has already launched a criminal investigation into the explosion. Investigators and forensic experts are on the scene.
The attack took place as special U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow for his fourth meeting with Vladimir Putin.
