An assassination attempt was reported in the Khabarovsk region of Russia against Major General Azatbek Omurbekov, who commanded the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade during the occupation of Bucha in 2022.
On April 28, an explosive device detonated in a mailbox at a military garrison located in the village of Knyaze-Volkonskoye-1. The blast resulted in the death of Lieutenant Colonel Kuzmenko, the commander of the battalion responsible for training communications, while several others sustained injuries.
The condition of General Omurbekov remains unclear. A state-affiliated media outlet in Khabarovsk reported that he “miraculously survived” the incident. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the explosion.
Following the news of the blast, journalists attempted to reach Omurbekov for comments, but he did not respond. His wife has also been unreachable.
In the spring of 2022, Omurbekov led the 64th Motorized Rifle Brigade, which was involved in attempts to capture the Kyiv region. Reports from his subordinates indicated that he had issued orders to kill civilians and to fire upon vehicles carrying non-combatants.
Upon returning from the front lines, he was awarded the title of Hero of Russia. He is currently under sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and other Western nations.
Since 2023, Omurbekov has been in charge of the 392nd District Training Center for Junior Specialists of the Eastern Military District of Russia. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine has alleged that the troops under his command were involved in mass killings and torture of civilians in Bucha.
An assassination attempt on Major General Azatbek Omurbekov occurred in Khabarovsk, resulting in one death and several injuries. Omurbekov, previously involved in controversial military actions in Ukraine, remains unaccounted for following the incident.