Media: Russian Aerospace Forces officer targeted in assassination attempt in Engels PHOTO / UPDATED

A criminal case has been opened in Russia’s Saratov region over an attempted killing of a serviceman, according to Russian media.

The incident took place in the morning near a cottage in the Probuzhdeniye settlement in Engels. The victim was an officer in Russia’s Aerospace Forces and, according to a source, an aircraft commander.

The officer received medical assistance and was flown to Moscow on a special aircraft for further treatment.

The settlement has been cordoned off, with investigative teams from Russia’s Investigative Committee, the Federal Security Service and police working at the scene.

The Investigative Committee opened a case over attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking. The officer remains in hospital and is receiving medical treatment.

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A Russian Aerospace Forces officer has been seriously wounded in a shooting in the city of Engels, according to a Russian outlet SHOT.

The incident took place as the officer was leaving a shop in the village of Probuzhdeniye. An unidentified attacker riding a motorcycle approached him and fired two shots.

The officer was wounded in the face and body and was taken to Saratov for medical treatment. Doctors are reportedly fighting for his life.

The attacker, who was wearing a helmet that concealed his face, fled the scene.

By Aghakazim Guliyev