A late-night explosion in southern Moscow, Russia has claimed the lives of two traffic police officers and a civilian, heightening security concerns in the Russian capital amid a series of recent high-profile attacks.
Russian investigators confirmed that the blast occurred as officers attempted to detain a man described as suspicious during routine patrol operations.
As they moved closer to the individual near their service vehicle, an improvised explosive device detonated, causing fatal injuries.
“The officers had little chance to react before the device was triggered,” the Russian Investigative Committee said, noting that the impact of the explosion was severe.
“Both officers later died from their wounds, while another person standing nearby was also killed.”
Authorities immediately sealed off the area, with heavy police deployment visible on state television footage.
Forensic teams were seen combing the scene for evidence, while bomb disposal units ensured no secondary devices were present.
Investigators have opened a criminal case on charges including the attempted murder of law enforcement personnel and illegal handling of explosives.
Officials said the probe would focus on identifying those behind the device and determining whether the attack was part of a wider pattern.
The explosion took place on Yeletskaya Street, a location that has drawn attention in recent days following the killing of Russian General Fanil Sarvarov earlier this week.
Sarvarov, a senior figure within the General Staff, died after an explosive device planted beneath a vehicle was detonated.
Security analysts note that Russia has witnessed multiple deadly explosions since the launch of its military campaign against Ukraine in February 2022.
Several senior military officers, regional officials, and pro-war public figures have been targeted both within Russia and in occupied Ukrainian territories.
While Moscow has consistently blamed sabotage networks, Ukrainian authorities have at times acknowledged involvement in similar operations, framing them as part of the broader conflict.
However, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the latest Moscow blast.
Meanwhile, residents in the affected district expressed shock and anxiety, with one local describing the incident as “a frightening reminder that the war’s consequences are no longer distant but increasingly close to home.”