Moscow car explosion kills high-ranking Russian general
Following a car explosion in Moscow, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, was killed, according to Russian media reports.
According to the "112" channel linked to Russia's security services, residents first heard an explosion and then noticed a fire in the yard.
Initially, it was suspected that the cause of the explosion was a gas tank, but this theory has been ruled out.
Rescue services reported that the car explosion was caused by an explosive device.
According to the Baza channel, the explosion occurred around 10:40 AM Moscow time, when Gen. Moskalik was walking past a Volkswagen parked by the building.
"The force of the explosion propelled the general several metres away," it reads.
The pro-Russian Mash channel also confirms the information about the general's death.
According to the Shot channel, the explosive device was placed near the rear left door. The channel cites preliminary findings from experts working 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.
At this moment, the Ministry of Defence has not commented on these reports.
The Russian Investigative Committee has already commenced a criminal investigation into the explosion. Investigators and forensic experts have arrived at the scene.
The attack took place as a special U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin for the fourth time.
