Deadly Bomb Blast Outside Moscow Restaurant Kills Three, Injures 21

At least three people, including a woman carrying a homemade bomb, were killed and 21 others injured after an explosive device detonated outside an Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday. According to Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the unidentified woman attempted to enter the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square with what investigators believe was an improvised explosive device. A security guard stopped her from entering, and the bomb exploded moments later outside the entrance. The woman, the security guard and a restaurant patron were killed in the blast. At least 21 others suffered injuries of varying severity, authorities said. The explosion occurred at around 8:10 pm local time near the restaurant's outdoor terrace. The establishment had been closed to the general public at the time as it was hosting a private function. Authorities have not yet identified the woman or determined the motive behind the attack. Investigators are also examining whether the explosive device detonated intentionally or accidentally. Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing unnamed sources, reported that investigators are exploring the possibility that the bomb was intended to target guests attending the private event on the restaurant's outdoor terrace. The report also suggested the device may have been detonated remotely and that the woman carrying it may not have known she was transporting explosives. These claims have not been officially confirmed. Emergency services, bomb disposal experts and investigators sealed off the area immediately after the explosion to carry out forensic examinations. Balzi Rossi is located on the ground floor of one of Moscow's iconic "Seven Sisters" Stalin-era skyscrapers in the city's central Presnensky district. The restaurant's head chef, Carmine Alfieri, said all staff members were safe. In a post on Instagram, he wrote, "We're all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance." No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. The incident comes more than four years into Russia's war with Ukraine. Earlier this year, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it would strengthen security for senior military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted attacks that Moscow blamed on Kyiv. Russian investigators have not established any connection between those incidents and Saturday's explosion.