In a tragic incident that has heightened tensions in Moscow, three individuals, including two traffic police officers, were killed in an explosion on Yeletskaya Street. The Russian Investigative Committee reported that the officers were approaching a suspicious individual near their police vehicle when an explosive device was detonated. The blast, which occurred early Wednesday morning, also claimed the life of a bystander.

Incident Details and Investigation

The explosion took place in the southern part of Moscow, an area that has recently witnessed a series of violent incidents. According to officials, the crime scene has been cordoned off, and CCTV footage is being meticulously reviewed to gather more information. The Russian Investigative Committee, responsible for probing major crimes, has launched a criminal investigation into the attack, which is being treated as an attempt on the lives of the traffic police officers.

Connection to Recent Assassination

This incident follows closely on the heels of the assassination of Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, a senior Russian military official, who was killed in a car bombing earlier this week. Sarvarov, the head of the operational training directorate of the Russian military’s general staff, died when an explosive device planted under his car detonated on Yaseneva Street. Russian investigators have suggested that Ukrainian intelligence services may be behind Sarvarov's assassination, a claim that has fueled calls for swift retribution from Russian officials and pro-war advocates.

Public and Official Reactions

The recent spate of bombings in Moscow has sparked widespread concern and anger among the public and officials alike. Images from the scene broadcast on Russian television showed a heavy police presence and an area sealed off for investigation. Witnesses described the explosion as occurring around 1:30 am local time, adding to the sense of unease in the capital.