Rustam Ashurov, the Tajik national responsible for the fatal shooting of two security officers at Chisinau International Airport in Moldova, succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Ashurov, 43, was apprehended and seriously injured by security forces following the attack last Friday. He had opened fire after being denied entry into Moldova, seizing a guard's weapon during the altercation. In addition to the two security personnel who lost their lives, a traveler was also injured during the incident.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu confirmed the victims as a border police officer and an airport security employee. The country observed a national day of mourning on July 4th, honoring the slain officers with flags at half-staff and a moment of silence.
Image: Travelers outside Chisinau Airport following the shooting (AP Photo/Aurel Obreja)
Tajikistan's General Prosecutor's Office revealed that Ashurov was wanted in his home country for the alleged kidnapping of a bank's deputy chairman in Dushanbe on June 23rd. He had reportedly fled to Moldova through Turkey, intending to seek refuge within the European Union. Moldovan authorities had detained Ashurov at the border due to his inability to provide a clear reason for his arrival and purpose in the country. A criminal case for "aggravated murder" was subsequently filed against him.
