The Domodedovo International Airport Bombing: A Detailed Account of the 2011 Attack

On January 24, 2011, a catastrophic suicide bombing struck the international arrival hall of Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport, a pivotal transportation hub located in the Domodedovsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. This deliberate act of terrorism targeted one of the busiest and most publicly accessible areas of the airport, specifically chosen to maximize human casualties and sow widespread panic. The international arrival hall, a place often filled with joyous reunions, transformed into a scene of devastation.

Casualties and Profound Impact

The immediate and tragic aftermath of the explosion was immense, leading to a significant loss of life and widespread injuries. The bombing claimed the lives of 37 individuals and left 173 others wounded, a harrowing testament to the blast's destructive power. Of those injured, 86 required immediate and often extensive hospitalization due to the severity of their conditions.

A Staggered Toll: The Timeline of Fatalities

The full extent of the tragedy unfolded over several weeks, as the death toll gradually increased, highlighting the grave nature of the injuries sustained by victims:

• Initially, 31 victims tragically died at the scene of the explosion, underscoring the instantaneous lethality of the blast.
• Three individuals later succumbed to their injuries in various hospitals, despite intensive medical efforts to save them.
• One victim tragically died en route to a hospital, unable to receive timely life-saving care.
• A further fatality occurred on February 2, 2011, when a victim who had been placed in a coma following the attack passed away.
• The final recorded death related to the bombing was on February 24, 2011, exactly one month after the attack, when a victim who had been hospitalized in grave condition ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

This prolonged and increasing death toll underscored the brutal impact of the bombing, with many survivors facing extensive and ongoing medical challenges.

Investigation and Motive: Targeting International Citizens

Russia's Federal Investigative Committee promptly launched a comprehensive inquiry into the attack. Their investigation later identified the suicide bomber as a 20-year-old male from the North Caucasus region. This identification provided a critical link to the complex and often volatile security landscape of Russia's North Caucasus, an area long associated with various extremist and separatist movements.

Significantly, the investigative body stated that the attack was specifically aimed "first and foremost" at foreign citizens. This declaration suggested a deliberate strategic objective to inflict harm on international travelers and residents, potentially intending to create global alarm, undermine international confidence in Russia's security, and impact foreign relations or tourism. This focus on foreign nationals differentiated it from attacks solely targeting domestic populations and carried broader geopolitical implications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the Domodedovo International Airport bombing?

The Domodedovo International Airport bombing was a devastating suicide bombing that occurred in the international arrival hall of Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport.

When did the Domodedovo Airport bombing take place?

The attack occurred on January 24, 2011.

Where exactly was the bombing located within the airport?

The bombing specifically targeted the international arrival hall of Domodedovo International Airport, situated in the Domodedovsky District, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

How many casualties resulted from the Domodedovo bombing?

The bombing resulted in 37 fatalities and 173 injuries, with 86 people requiring hospitalization. The death toll increased over several weeks due to the severe nature of the injuries.

Who was identified as the suicide bomber in the attack?

Russia's Federal Investigative Committee identified the suicide bomber as a 20-year-old individual from the North Caucasus region.

What was the primary target or aim of the Domodedovo Airport attack?

According to Russia's Federal Investigative Committee, the attack was specifically aimed "first and foremost" at foreign citizens.