Tragedy struck Russia’s North Caucasus region of Dagestan as at least 15 people, including policemen and a longtime Orthodox priest, were killed in coordinated attacks on synagogues, churches, and a police post. The assaults occurred simultaneously in Makhachkala and Derbent, prompting Governor Sergei Melikov to declare the incidents as a “terrorist attack.”
Authorities reported that police forces neutralized six gunmen involved in the attacks, four in Makhachkala and two in Derbent. Melikov, addressing the situation on Telegram, expressed determination in confronting the violence: “We know who is behind these terrorist attacks and what objective they are pursuing.”
While not specifying the perpetrators, Melikov hinted at links to the Russia-Ukraine war, underscoring the pervasive threat of conflict reaching local communities. He declared June 24-26 as days of mourning in Dagestan, with flags flown at half-staff and all entertainment events canceled.
The Investigative Committee of Russia has initiated criminal investigations into the “acts of terror,” yet no group has claimed responsibility for the assaults. Reports indicated that among the attackers were two sons of a local official, adding complexity to the unfolding investigation.
In Derbent, authorities reported that both a synagogue and a church were set ablaze during the attacks, exacerbating the devastation in the community. This incident follows a deadly assault claimed by the Islamic State near Moscow three months ago, marking a grim resurgence of violence in Russia.
The aftermath of these attacks underscores the ongoing security challenges facing the region and raises concerns about further violence orchestrated by extremist groups targeting religious and civic institutions.