Assassination plot: Russian general dies in Moscow car blast PHOTO / VIDEO / UPDATED

Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Department of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, has died from injuries sustained in a car explosion in southern Moscow.

According to Kommersant, the Russian Investigative Committee confirmed Sarvarov’s death.

Authorities have opened a criminal case into the killing of the military officer.

10:28

A major general of the Russian Armed Forces was seriously injured in an assassination attempt in southern Moscow, according to a source from MNS.

The target was 56-year-old Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Department of the Russian Armed Forces. The attack occurred as Sarvarov got into his Kia Sorento in the courtyard of a residential building on Yasenevaya Street. An explosion went off shortly after he began to move.

The vehicle sustained severe damage, and the general had to be extricated from the car. He was diagnosed with multiple shrapnel wounds and fractures and was hospitalised in critical condition.

Preliminary reports indicate that a homemade explosive device was placed under the driver’s seat. Russian security forces are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

09:01 

A car exploded in a parking lot in Moscow early on December 18, injuring at least one person, according to the Russian Telegram channel SHOT.

Residents of the Orekhovo-Borisovo district reported hearing a powerful explosion at around 6:50 a.m. Thick black smoke and flames were visible at the scene on Yasenevaya Street. The vehicle reportedly exploded, with the front of the passenger car blown apart.

At least one person was injured, preliminarily identified as the driver, who sustained a severe concussion.

Local residents alerted emergency services. Rescue teams and other emergency responders are currently working at the scene.

By Khagan Isayev