Moscow saw its second suicide attack within less than 12 months, as about 30 people were killed and some 170 injured in an explosion at the Domodedovo airport on Monday, according to the latest figures released by Russian authorities.


Police stand guard outside the Domodedovo Airport in Moscow, capital of Russia, Jan. 24, 2011. At least 31 people were killed and over 130 others injured in an explosion at Moscow's Domodedovo airport on Monday, the Russian Health Ministry said. (Xinhua/Wei Dafang)
The blast, most likely conducted by a suicide terrorist, had an equivalent of 5-10 kg of TNT, local media reported.

A few hours after the blast, while situation in the airport remained calm, the security of the city has been tightened up.


DETAILS OF ATTACK VARY


The number of casualties varied considerably so far. According to the spokesperson of the airport, the death toll has hit 35 and nearly 170 were injured, while the governor of Moscow region, Boris Gromov, said the bombing has claimed 34 lives and left 66 people injured.

The Russian Health Minister Tatyana Golikova said the confirmed death toll was 29.

Initial reports said that the explosion happened at Domodedovo Airport's luggage reclaim zone at the international arrivals terminal. But a spokesperson for the Federal Customs Services later said that the blast happened in the lounge area near the Asia cafe next to an international departure area.

Some eyewitnesses said two terrorists blew themselves up when people emerged from the international arrivals zone soon after two planes have arrived there from London, local media reported.

Russian Investigative Committee spokesman told the media that the bombing "was most likely carried out by a suicide terrorist."

Investigators on the site of bombing found the severed head of an "Arab-looking" man suspected of perpetrating the attack, a law enforcement officer told Interfax news agency.

"He was aged between 30 to 35," the source said, adding that traces of shrapnel have been found on the lounge walls.

A law enforcement source said three men have been wanted in connection with the explosion.

"According to intelligence, three men may have been involved in masterminding the explosion. They have been living in the vicinity of the capital for some time," the source was quoted by Interfax as saying.

Videotapes published on personal blogs by several eyewitnesses show heavy smoke, and bodies scattered across the lounge floor the bomb ripped through and emergency workers covering the deads.


VietNamNet/Xinhuanet