BBC Verify analyzes footage that appeared on social media after a bomb exploded hidden in a scooter in Moscow. The explosion killed Russian general Igor Kirillov and his assistant. According to experts, the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device. “IEDs can be deliberately designed to look like everyday objects,” said analyst David Heathcote.
The commander of the Russian radiochemical and biological protection forces, General Igor Kirillov, died as a result of the explosion of a bomb hidden in a scooter on a Moscow street. The Security Service of Ukraine is behind this operation, Reuters reported, citing its source in the SBU. The independent website Meduza reported that Kirillov's assistant was also killed.
The bomb exploded in front of a residential building on Ryazan Prospect – a road that begins about 7 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin. According to Moscow investigators, a bomb with a destructive power equal to about 300 grams of TNT was hidden in the scooter, Meduza and Reuters reported.
Explosion in Moscow. Before and after photosReuters
The recording that appeared on social media is analyzed by BBC Verify. There are two people leaving the building, and after a while there is an explosion. The BBC notes that their clothes are the same color as the bodies in the photos after the explosion.
The video shows that the scooter is propped up against the door. The recording also shows that the force of the explosion knocked snow off cars parked nearby. Other material analyzed by BBC Verify shows that the scooter was lying among the rubble after the explosion.
Explosion in Moscow. A Russian general is deadReuters
“Someone must have been watching the device and pressing the button”
Experts from Janes – a private organization dealing with open source investigations – told BBC Verify that the materials indicate that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) and not conventional munitions. An IED is a type of “homemade” bomb that can take many forms and usually contains readily available components such as nails, glass or metal fragments, the BBC reported.
“IEDs can be deliberately designed to look like everyday objects without appearing suspicious,” said David Heathcote, intelligence manager at security analytics firm McKenzie Intelligence. He added that the attack “could have required months of preparation.”
The expert added that the explosion was probably detonated remotely. The trigger could have been a radio signal from a phone or car key. “Someone must have been watching the device and pressing the button to initiate the explosion,” Heathcote told BBC Verify.
Place of the assassination attempt on Igor Kirilov, MoscowReuters
Main photo source: Reuters