A suicide bombing killed a police officer and injured four other officers early Tuesday at an internal border checkpoint in North Ossetia.
The explosion occurred at about 4:30 a.m. when a Lada VAZ 2109 with Ingush license plates crossed the border from the Ingush side, and was pulled over by the police for inspection, police said in a statement.
The driver, who remained inside the vehicle, then set off the explosion, killing police Lieutenant Zaur Dzhilikov.
Four other officers were hospitalized with various injuries.
The powerful blast scattered car parts as far as 100 meters, RIA-Novosti reported, citing police. The border checkpoint was also completely destroyed.
The explosive device is believed to have contained the equivalent of 30 kilograms of TNT, RIA-Novosti said.
The circumstances surrounding the attack were still being clarified. Police believe the car might have been heading to Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia.
Police have established the identity of the vehicle’s owner, a resident of Ingushetia, Interfax reported.
North Ossetian leader Taimuraz Mamsurov said an investigation has been opened to find the organizers of the blast.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
