Stefano Duc,

Correspondent (Europe)

MOSCOW – Russia is again under attack, only three weeks from the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The press agency Itar-Tass reports that two explosions have been heard in Makhatchkala, the capital of the autonomous Russian republic of Dagestan, situated in the Caucasus. The two explosions, which have blown up a restaurant in downtown  Makhatchkala,  have apparently been caused by a rocket launcher and a car bomb. According to the Russian Home Office, the explosions have not claimed any victim. However, press agencies, like Itar-Tass and Ria Novosti, report that the attack has injured 5-9 persons, among whom two policemen.

According to a first reconstruction, a man entered the building, went to the first floor and shot a rocket towards the second floor with his weapon. The car bomb exploded afterwards, when the police arrived on the premises after the first blast. The attack took place while President Putin was giving a press conference to the international media, during which he reassured the international community that Russia will “ensure the safety of those taking part in the Olympics and those attending this sporting event.”

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for further updates. 

 

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Stefano Duc

Stefano Duc is TGP’s European Breaking News correspondent. Interested in politics, culture and writing, he believes that information can make the difference.