IED Blast Outside Moscow Restaurant Kills Three, Wounds 21

At least three people were killed and 21 others were injured in an explosion outside a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, according to Russian authorities. The blast occurred at around 8 pm near a restaurant located in one of Moscow's iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square. Emergency services, police and rescue personnel were quickly deployed to the scene, where authorities cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale investigation into the incident.

Russia's Interior Ministry said the explosion was caused by a handmade improvised explosive device allegedly carried by a woman. Preliminary findings indicate that security personnel attempted to stop the suspect before the device detonated outside the restaurant. Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of the woman or confirmed whether she was among those killed or injured in the blast.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the incident as a "brutal terrorist act" and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He said city authorities were providing all necessary assistance to the injured and coordinating with emergency agencies to ensure a swift response. Medical teams transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, where several victims were reported to be receiving treatment for serious injuries.

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Law enforcement agencies have launched a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify anyone who may have been involved in planning or facilitating it. Investigators are examining forensic evidence from the blast site, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses as part of the inquiry. Security has also been heightened across parts of the Russian capital following the explosion.

The restaurant is located within one of Moscow's well-known Stalin-era high-rise buildings, an area that attracts residents, office workers and visitors. The explosion caused panic among people nearby, with emergency responders evacuating the vicinity and securing the location to prevent further risks. Authorities have not indicated whether the establishment or its patrons were specifically targeted.

The incident adds to ongoing security concerns in Russia amid heightened vigilance over potential attacks in public places. Officials have urged residents to remain calm, avoid speculation and rely on verified information as the investigation progresses. Authorities said further details, including the possible motive behind the explosion and any additional security measures, will be released as the investigation advances.

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