Intel loss

Russian Military Intelligence Chief Dies Unexpectedly

The Kremlin says the head of Russia's military intelligence agency, which is known as the GRU, has died unexpectedly.

A statement posted on the Kremlin website on January 4 said that General Igor Sergun, 58, had suffered a "sudden death," but gave no details as to the cause, timing, or circumstances. The state-run news agency TASS said he died on January 3.

The statement quoted President Vladimir Putin as giving his condolences, saying that Sergun had dedicated his "entire life...to serving the homeland and the armed forces."

Sergun took over from General Aleksandr Shlyakhturov, who stepped down in 2011 at age 64. No replacement for Sergun was announced.