At least 15 police officers, a national guard member, several civilians, and a priest, were killed in a series of coordinated attacks that targeted a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police post in the Russian republic of Dagestan on Sunday evening. Twelve more were wounded in the attacks, which took place in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala.
According to reports, gunmen opened fire at the synagogue and church in Derbent, while a separate attack targeted a traffic police post in Makhachkala. Four of the attackers were killed in subsequent shootouts with law enforcement.
Russian authorities have labeled the incidents as terrorist attacks and are investigating the motives behind them. The Head of the Republic of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, stated that “unknown people made attempts to destabilize the public situation,” but were thwarted by the brave actions of Dagestani police officers.
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Russian news agency TASS reported that law enforcement agencies believe the attackers were members of an “international terrorist organization,” but no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of yet.
The attacks have sparked concerns about security and stability in the region, particularly as they targeted both religious institutions and law enforcement. The synagogue and one of the targeted churches reportedly suffered severe fire damage.
This incident is the second major attack in Dagestan this year, following a shooting in February that left multiple people injured. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into the attacks and is working to identify all those involved.
Key Points:
- Synagogue, Orthodox church, and police post targeted.
- Four attackers killed in shootouts with law enforcement.
- Attacks labeled as terrorist acts by Russian authorities.
- Motives behind the attacks under investigation.
The situation in Dagestan remains tense as authorities continue their investigation and work to ensure the safety of residents. The attacks have raised concerns about the potential for further violence and the need for increased security measures in the region.
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