Kathmandu— A Russian military serviceman died and his wife was injured after a car explosion in St Petersburg, authorities reported. The incident occurred at approximately 10am local time (07:00 GMT) in the city’s Pushkinsky suburb on Thursday, with investigators launching a criminal probe initially labeled as a vehicle fire. This event is the latest in a series of blasts targeting individuals linked to Russia's ongoing military operation in Ukraine, raising concerns about escalating attacks within Russian territory.

Details of the Incident

The victim has been identified by Fontanka, a local news outlet, as a 53-year-old lieutenant colonel. According to reports, he died either instantly or shortly after the car’s engine started. Witnesses described the explosion as completely destroying the vehicle. Investigators and forensic experts are currently examining the scene to determine the cause of the blast.

Broader Pattern of Attacks

This incident is part of a growing pattern of explosions and targeted assassinations within Russia, particularly impacting military commanders and pro-war figures. Al Jazeera correspondent Yulia Shapovalova noted that this death represents “one in a series of assassinations” of high-ranking Russian military officials since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. Similar incidents have occurred not only in St Petersburg but also in Moscow.

Previous Targeted Attacks

On August 5, the director of a factory supplying drones to the Russian military was seriously wounded and his driver killed in a car explosion located approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) east of Moscow. While no group has claimed responsibility for either this latest blast or the earlier incident, Moscow has repeatedly accused Kyiv of orchestrating assassination attempts against its military officials.

Kyiv’s Response

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for some attacks on Russian targets but denied involvement in others. As of Thursday, Ukraine had not commented on the St Petersburg car explosion.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast, and the investigation is ongoing.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.