A pro-Russian paramilitary leader, Armen Sargsyan, died from injuries sustained in an explosion at a residential building in north-west Moscow on Monday morning. The blast occurred 12km from the Kremlin and injured several others, including one of Sargsyan’s bodyguards.
Sargsyan, leader of the “Arbat” battalion, was severely injured after being hit by the blast in his entrance hall. He was later evacuated to a hospital via helicopter where he received intensive care before succumbing to his injuries.
Ukraine has not commented on the incident. However, Sargsyan had been wanted internationally for his involvement in murders and recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine since 2014.
According to law enforcement officials, the assassination attempt on Sargsyan was carefully planned and ordered. The “Arbat” battalion is a Russian paramilitary group known to operate in occupied areas of Ukraine, including the Kursk region.
The incident raises concerns about security threats against high-profile supporters of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Similar attacks have occurred in Moscow and occupied areas, targeting senior Russian officials and politicians.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rqj171zzvo