**Russian Commander Behind Mariupol Airstrikes Killed in Grenade Explosion**
A shocking incident has unfolded in Stavropol, Russia, where a high-ranking military official and former commander of the air operation over Mariupol was killed in a grenade explosion. Zaur Gurtsiyev, the deputy mayor of Stavropol and a veteran of the Russian Special Military Operation, lost his life in the blast that occurred overnight on May 29.
According to reports from local officials and media outlets, the explosion took place on Chekhov Street near a residential building in southern Russia’s Stavropol city. The incident is still under investigation by law enforcement and security services, with various theories being considered, including a possible terrorist attack involving Ukrainian authorities. However, Ukrainian officials have yet to confirm their involvement.
**A Key Figure in Mariupol Airstrikes**
As reported by Russian sources, Gurtsiyev played a crucial role in the 2022 bombardment of Mariupol, which saw tens of thousands of civilians killed and most residential buildings damaged or destroyed. He was identified as a key figure in the airstrike campaign, and his contributions were recognized with multiple Russian state honors.
**Contradictory Accounts of the Incident**
Initial reports from Russian pro-Kremlin Telegram channels suggested that two men sitting on a bench outside the building were killed by a grenade explosion. However, footage of the incident has surfaced online, showing a man approaching Gurtsiyev before the explosion. The perpetrator’s face is not visible in the video, casting doubt on the initial account.
**Assassinations of Russian Officials Continue**
The incident bears similarities to previous successful operations by Ukrainian partisans and alleged intelligence units targeting high-ranking Russian military officials and collaborators in occupied areas. While Ukrainian officials have not confirmed their involvement in this particular incident, it is clear that such operations are becoming increasingly common.
As the investigation into Gurtsiyev’s death continues, one thing is certain: his role in the Mariupol airstrike campaign will be subject to scrutiny, and the circumstances surrounding his killing remain shrouded in mystery.
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