Armed militants launched a series of coordinated attacks on two Orthodox churches, two synagogues, and a traffic police post in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The attacks, which occurred in the coastal city of Derbent and the regional capital Makhachkala, left at least nine people dead, including a priest, a church security guard, and seven police officers. More than 25 others were injured in the incidents.
🚨#BREAKING: #Terror attack in #Dagestan, #Russia
Videos of k*lled police officers are circulating online as gunmen reportedly attacked churches and synagogues. pic.twitter.com/Ih8T2PmocU
— Andre Nuta 🇺🇲 (@andre_nuta) June 23, 2024
In Derbent, attackers targeted an Orthodox church and a synagogue. A 66-year-old priest, Father Nikolay, was killed in the church, and a church security guard was shot. The synagogue in Derbent was set on fire and burned to the ground, resulting in the deaths of local guards. Meanwhile, in Makhachkala, another synagogue was attacked by gunfire, and a traffic police post was also targeted, leading to the deaths of six police officers and injuries to 12 others.
📢 Update on Dagestan: Islamist terrorists have killed 10 people, including 8 police officers, and injured 34 others including the commander of the Dagestan police station, who was critically wounded in the shootout with the Islamist terrorists. They are holding around 40… pic.twitter.com/q9SjPZva6D
— Israel News Pulse (@israelnewspulse) June 23, 2024
Russian authorities responded swiftly to the attacks. The Interior Ministry reported that four gunmen were killed in subsequent shootouts, and a terrorism investigation has been launched. The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee labeled the incidents as terrorist attacks, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Muftiate of Dagestan, a state-supported spiritual administrative body, confirmed the overall casualty figures. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also acknowledged the attacks on the synagogues.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but some Dagestan officials have pointed fingers at Ukraine and NATO, suggesting a connection to their intelligence services. However, there has been no evidence to support these claims.
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