India, Dec. 23 -- A senior Russian military officer died after a powerful car bomb exploded in Moscow on Monday, authorities confirmed, marking the latest in a series of targeted attacks on defence officials in the capital.

Russia's Investigative Committee said an improvised explosive device detonated beneath a vehicle, critically injuring Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, 56, who later succumbed to his wounds in hospital. Sarvarov headed the armed forces' operational training department.

Investigators have opened a criminal case on charges of murder and illegal trafficking of explosives. They said one line of inquiry examines possible involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services, though Kyiv has not issued any comment.

Forensic tea...