Explosions in separatist region

last updated 8 January 2015

Tiraspol, Moldova

Unknown attackers blew up a tram this week in the capital of Moldova’s breakaway Transnistria region, killing two people, including a 6-year-old Russian girl. Authorities suspect that a grenade was used. A similar attack last month on a bus killed seven and wounded 23. Nobody has claimed responsibility, but Transnistria Security Minister Vladimir Antyufeyev called the acts “terrorist attacks.” They may be linked to next month’s scheduled referendum on independence. Moldova has been split since it emerged as an independent state from the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. Russian troops never left the Transnistria region, which is populated mostly by Russians and Ukrainians. Next month, Transnistria residents will vote on whether to ally themselves with Russia or remain as the autonomous region of Moldova.