Russian and Transnistrian flags fly in Suvorov Square in Tiraspol, the self-proclaimed capital of Transnistria, on Saturday, April 23, 2022.Charles Davis/Insider
Russian media reported explosions in a security building in Transnistria on Monday.
Transnistria is a pro-Russian separatist region in Moldova, bordering Ukraine.
The Moldovan authorities warned that the incident was an attempt to “create subterfuges”.
CHISINAU, Moldova – An alleged attack on a building used by security services in the Russian-held separatist region of Transnistria is part of efforts to increase tensions in the region, Moldovan authorities said on Monday.
According to Russian state media, a “series of explosions” occurred at the Ministry of State Security in Tiraspol, the self-proclaimed capital of Transnistria, which gained de facto autonomy from Moldova after Russian forces intervened in 1992, ostensibly to protect Russian speakers. About 300,000 people live in the enclave that borders Ukraine.
In a statement, Moldova’s Office for Reintegration Guidelines expressed “concern” about the incident, citing reports that “unidentified people fired grenade launchers at the headquarters of so-called security structures in the region.”
The statement called for calm, arguing that the “aim of the incident” was “to create pretexts to aggravate the security situation in the Transnistrian region.”
Last week, a Russian military official, Major General Rustam Minnekayev, claimed that Moscow intends to take over southern Ukraine, including the port city of Odessa, which would give it “another route to Transnistria.” Russia currently has around 1,500 troops stationed on the territory.
On Saturday, 48 hours before the attack, Insider witnessed these soldiers stationed at the de facto border between Transnistria and Moldova, as well as at points in the separatist region.
Do you have a news tip? Email this reporter: [email protected]
Read the original article on Business Insider