3 dead, 21 injured in bombing at Moscow restaurant

On Saturday evening, a homemade bomb detonated near the upscale Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant in central Moscow, resulting in three deaths and 21 injuries. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK) confirmed that an unidentified woman, carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), attempted to enter the restaurant but was intercepted by a security guard.

The blast killed the woman, the guard, and a customer instantly. Two additional individuals later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to five, though this figure remains unconfirmed. Six victims were reported to be in serious condition. Social media speculation suggested a potential link to the war in Ukraine, with unverified reports claiming a high-ranking Russian military official may have been the intended target.

The incident occurred at the restaurant's summer terrace outside, where guests were enjoying themselves. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed that those responsible would face punishment. Russian law enforcement secured the scene with heavily armed officers. The exact identities of the victims and perpetrators have not been disclosed.