Mariupol Siege Commander Blown to Bits Was it Revenge?

Mariupol Siege Air Commander Killed in Bomb Attack - The Moscow Times

Tragedy in Stavropol: Mariupol Siege Air Commander Killed in Bomb Attack

In a shocking turn of events, Major Zaur Gurtsiyev, a former Russian officer who played a key role in commanding air operations during the devastating siege of Mariupol, has been killed in an apparent bomb attack. The incident occurred overnight in Stavropol, where Gurtsiyev served as deputy mayor.

Stavropol Mayor Ivan Ulyanchenko confirmed the death of Gurtsiyev, a 34-year-old veteran of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The news has sent ripples of shock and speculation throughout the region.

Earlier reports from Stavropol region Governor Vladimir Vladimirov described the incident as a “nighttime” event, stating that "all leads are being followed, including the possibility of a terrorist attack organized by Ukrainian Nazis."

Key details emerging from the investigation:

  • Two fatalities: Major Zaur Gurtsiyev and a 29-year-old acquaintance.
  • IED Explosion: Preliminary findings suggest an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated.
  • Acquaintance Implicated: The 29-year-old acquaintance is believed to have been responsible for setting off the device.
  • Criminal Investigation Launched: Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into murder and illegal weapons trafficking, with the possibility of classifying the explosion as an "act of terrorism."

Russia’s Investigative Committee, responsible for probing major crimes, is taking the case extremely seriously. Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, has ordered regional officials to provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation.

The investigation is currently focusing on several key aspects:

  • Determining the exact nature of the explosive device.
  • Identifying the motive behind the attack.
  • Ascertaining whether the perpetrator acted alone or as part of a larger network.

The death of Zaur Gurtsiyev, a figure associated with the controversial Mariupol siege, raises numerous questions and adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict and its repercussions. This incident highlights the volatile security situation and the potential for violence to reach beyond the immediate war zone. The coming days and weeks will be crucial as investigators piece together the events leading up to this tragic bombing and seek to bring those responsible to justice. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Tags: Russian officer, Mariupol siege, Zaur Gurtsiyev, Stavropol, Ukraine war, Bomb attack, Deputy mayor, IED explosion, Terrorist attack, Russia

Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/29/mariupol-siege-air-commander-killed-in-bomb-attack-a89266

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