Gunmen carried out a coordinated attack on places of worship in two cities of Russia's Dagestan province, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 police officers, an Orthodox priest, and several civilians. The attacks targeted churches, synagogues, and police posts in Derbent and Makhachkala, cities located about 120 kilometers apart. Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region in the North Caucasus, has a history of separatist and militant violence.
The violence in the region has been exacerbated by Russia's conflict in Ukraine, where ethnic minorities have been involved in fighting. The attackers, described as 'militants,' were engaged by security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least six of them. The situation escalated with large flames and smoke seen emanating from a synagogue in Derbent and armed individuals firing at a police car in Makhachkala.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Russian authorities have labeled the gunmen as adherents of an international terrorist organization. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, with conflicting reports from different sources.
Following the attacks, three days of mourning were declared in Dagestan, with flags lowered to half-staff. Financial assistance will be provided to the families of the victims. The attacks targeted not only police officers but also clergy and civilians, including a priest who was brutally killed during the assault on a church in Derbent.
The violence extended to synagogues in Derbent and Makhachkala, with reports of gunmen storming the buildings and setting fire to one using Molotov cocktails. The Jewish community in Dagestan, part of the Mountain Jews, was among the targets. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported from the Jewish community.
Law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations to identify all individuals involved in the attacks. The Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan has launched a terror investigation to determine the circumstances and perpetrators of the violence. While some local officials have suggested foreign involvement, including Ukraine and NATO countries, others have cautioned against premature conclusions.
The attacks in Dagestan have raised concerns about the region's stability and unity, with authorities emphasizing the need to stand together against attempts to sow division. As the investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing further acts of terrorism.
