Tragedy struck in the city of Derbent, Dagestan, as gunmen armed with automatic weapons launched a coordinated attack on a synagogue and a church on Sunday evening. The violent incident resulted in the deaths of a priest and a policeman, with additional casualties reported.
According to reports, the priest at the church, Father Nikolay, aged 66 and in poor health, was killed in a brutal manner. The attackers also targeted a security guard at the church, leaving him injured. Other priests sought refuge inside the church, awaiting assistance.
Simultaneously, the synagogue in Derbent was set ablaze, with thick smoke and flames engulfing the building. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Dagestan confirmed the loss of at least one police officer and injuries to another during the assaults on the religious sites.
Meanwhile, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, a police traffic post came under fire, resulting in the injury of a police officer. The situation escalated further as unknown assailants attempted to destabilize the region, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Sergey Melikov, the head of the Dagestan Republic, condemned the attacks and assured the public that measures were being taken to address the crisis. An operational headquarters was established, and a counteroperation named 'Interception' was initiated to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan has launched a terror investigation into the incidents, aiming to uncover the motives behind the attacks and bring the culprits to justice.
As the authorities work to restore order and investigate the tragic events, the community is urged to remain calm and vigilant. Dagestanis are called upon to stand united against fear and panic, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
