Russian 'war hero' killed in suicide bombing, officials claim
Share this @internewscast.com

A retired Russian commander praised as a war hero for leading a bombing in Mariupol that resulted in the deaths of 8,000 Ukrainian civilians has been killed in an apparent suicide attack, Russian officials reported.

Zaur Gurtsiev, 34, a decorated former major, was blown up in the southern Russian city of Stavropol on Thursday, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.

Surveillance footage circulating on social media and Russian state media showed Gurtsiev and an unidentified man standing on a darkened street, near a line of cars, just moments before the explosion occurred.

The other man appeared to approach Gurtsiev seconds before a bright light filled the screen and the footage cut out.

Authorities haven’t disclosed what caused the explosion but local reports indicated a grenade or TNT sticks were to blame.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said the bodies of the two men were later found with multiple injuries.

“As part of the investigation, the scene of the incident is being inspected, examinations are being ordered, and the necessary investigative actions are being carried out to establish all the circumstances of the incident,” the agency said in a statement.

Stavropol Region Governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed Gurtsiev’s death in a Telegram post, saying that authorities haven’t ruled out a “terrorist attack.”

“Law enforcement agencies and special services are working at the scene. Investigative actions are underway. All versions are being considered, including the organization of a terrorist attack involving Nazis from Ukraine,” he said.

“The situation in the city is calm. The situation is under control.”

Gurtsiev, a city official who was due to be appointed to Stavropol’s regional administration, had received several honors for helping command Russia’s bombing of Mariupol in the early months of the Ukraine war.

The attack on the Ukrainian port city left roughly 8,000 civilians dead.

Gurtsiev, too, had taken part in a Time of Heroes program set up by Russian President Vladimir Putin that was designed to promote war veterans to government positions, local media said.

“Gurtsiev, despite his relatively young age, led the air part of the operation to liberate Mariupol,” the program’s website reads.

“He introduced his developments in the technology of targeting missiles, which allowed them to increase their accuracy and effectiveness many times over, including hitting the Azov supply base.”

With Post wires

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
DHS arrests five illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child abuse

DHS captures five undocumented individuals previously found guilty of severe offenses such as murder and child abuse

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security reported the detention of five…
Carabinieri at a car accident scene.

Heartbreaking Image Surfaces After Airline CEO’s Wife Allegedly Hits Babysitter, 24; Lawyer Denies Her Fleeing the Scene

Heartbreaking images have surfaced from the devastating crash involving a CEO’s wife,…
'Freakier Friday': Behind-the-scenes look at Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on set of the new Disney sequel

‘Freaky Friday’ Sequel: Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on the Disney Set

Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of “Freakier Friday,” the sequel to the…
Jacksonville protest against Camp Blanding detention facility

Jacksonville Demonstration Opposes Detention Center at Camp Blanding

Advocates in Northeast Florida are protesting Gov. DeSantis’s plan to turn Camp…
Pennsylvania officials report intermittent failures in statewide 911 service

Pennsylvania Authorities Announce Sporadic Issues with Statewide 911 Service

Pennsylvania officials reported statewide issues Friday with the state’s 911 system.  “Pennsylvania…
Ex-Jaguars employee convicted of stealing $22M from team now faces state charges

Former Jaguars Worker Convicted of $22M Theft Now Faces State Charges

Amit Patel, 32, was admitted into the Duval County Jail Tuesday afternoon…

Eyewitness to Idaho Tragedy: Missteps, Misunderstandings, and the Unveiling of the Real Culprit

EDGING open the door to the student digs, Hunter Johnson felt something…
Federal judge restricts LAPD from targeting journalists with force at immigration protests

Federal Judge Prohibits LAPD from Using Force Against Journalists During Immigration Protests

A federal judge in Los Angeles, appointed by former President Joe Biden,…
17-year-old British teen dies after beach sand tunnel collapses during family vacation: report

Tragic Accident: 17-Year-Old British Teen Dies in Beach Sand Tunnel Collapse During Family Vacation

A day at the beach turned tragic when a 17-year-old boy was…
Knicks fail first test to implement Mike Brown's vision

Knicks Struggle to Implement Mike Brown’s Strategy in Initial Test

LAS VEGAS — Mike Brown didn’t reveal much in his introductory news…
Lontray Clark to face murder, arson charges in court for Austin, Chicago fire that killed 4 at North and Laramie avenues

Lontray Clark to be arraigned on murder and arson charges for Austin, Chicago blaze that claimed 4 lives at North and Laramie Avenues

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspect in a deadly fire in Chicago’s Austin…
Billie Holiday, location manager for Marvel's 'Ironheart' Disney+ series, takes ABC7 on tour of Chicago sites featured in TV show

Billie Holiday, the location manager for Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ on Disney+, gives ABC7 an inside tour of the Chicago locations showcased in the series

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago provides the landscape and inspiration for Marvel’s new…