- India,
- 17-Dec-2024 03:40 PM IST
Moscow Blast: Russia's capital Moscow was rocked by a massive bomb blast on Sunday. The attack killed high-ranking Russian army officer Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant. This incident is not only a big loss for Russia from a military point of view, but also points to a major lapse in the security system.How did the explosion happen?According to the Russian Investigation Committee, the attack took place in the south-eastern residential area of Moscow on Sunday morning. General Igor Kirillov, who was the head of the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Force (NBC), was leaving a residence block with one of his assistants. Meanwhile, a bomb hidden in a scooter exploded loudly.Powerful explosives like 200 grams of TNT were used in the blast.The door of the building was badly damaged due to the blast and the glass of the surrounding windows broke.General Kirillov and his assistant died on the spot.Pictures after the explosion showed a damaged building and two body bags lying at the spot.Conspiracy or pre-planned murder behind the attack?Moscow police and investigators have termed it a pre-planned murder. The Russian Investigative Committee has registered a case of murder and instructions have been given to expedite the investigation.The police are thoroughly examining CCTV footage to search for suspects.The strategy of the attackers behind carrying out the explosion using an electric scooter is also being investigated.General Igor Kirillov: Who was he?54-year-old Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was the head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops. He was known as a fearless, courageous and experienced officer in Russia's military structure.He had made many sensational revelations against the US and Western countries for alleged biological and chemical weapons projects.Internationally, he emerged as a controversial but influential military leader.His name was among the officers against whom Britain and Ukraine had made serious allegations.Sanctions were imposed on the GeneralIn October, Britain imposed sanctions on General Igor Kirillov. Britain had accused him of monitoring the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine and being part of the Kremlin's propaganda campaign.Ukraine's intelligence agency SBU also recently accused Kirillov, saying that he was responsible for the large-scale use of chemical weapons.A big loss for RussiaThe death of General Igor Kirillov is being seen as a major military and strategic loss for Russia.His expertise and leadership abilities were important for Russia's NBC Defense Force.His departure can create a big void in Russia's biological and chemical defense system.International reactions and impactThis incident has also created a stir at the international level.This attack can create a rift in the already tense relations between Russia and Western countries.Amid the Ukraine-Russia war, such targeted killings can be seen as part of a military strategy.ConclusionThis bomb blast in Moscow and the death of General Igor Kirillov have once again brought Russia's security system under question. This attack is not only going to be a blow to Russia's military structure, but can also prove to be the cause of new geopolitical tensions at the global level. The results of the investigation will be awaited, but at present this incident has emerged as a big challenge for Russia.