Gunmen launched coordinated attacks on churches and police stations in two cities in Dagestan, Russia’s southernmost province. The attacks happened in Derbent and Makhachkala, where they killed at least 15 police officers and four civilians, including an Orthodox priest. Dagestan, in the North Caucasus, has a history of separatist and militant violence, made worse by instability from Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.
Authorities reported that at least six militants were killed in the ensuing clashes following the attacks on churches, synagogues, and police stations. The assailants targeted Orthodox churches and synagogues, with graphic images and videos depicting scenes of flames engulfing a synagogue in Derbent and gunmen firing at a police car in Makhachkala.
Despite speculation, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, which occurred just three months after a major ISIS-linked assault in Moscow.
Coordinated Attacks on Churches and Police in Dagestan Leave 19 Dead
Russia’s National Antiterrorist Committee characterized the perpetrators as adherents of an international terrorist organization. The operation to neutralize the attackers concluded with significant casualties and damage to local religious and police facilities. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four civilians, bringing the total death toll to 19, according to Russia’s investigative committee.
Dagestan’s head, Sergey Melikov, indicated a possibility of sleeper cells being involved and suggested foreign influence in the planning of the attacks. He announced a period of mourning and pledged financial aid to the victims’ families. The assaults included the killing of a priest in Derbent and attacks on synagogues in both cities, with one synagogue in Derbent, burned down by Molotov cocktails.
The Jewish community in Dagestan, a minority within the region, faced direct threats during the violence. Security measures had been heightened following previous incidents of antisemitic violence, including an attack at a local airport. Additionally, gunmen targeted a police traffic post in Makhachkala, resulting in casualties among law enforcement officers.
Coordinated Attacks on Churches and Police in Dagestan Leave 19 Dead
The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia initiated a terror investigation into the incidents, aiming to identify and prosecute those responsible. While some local officials speculated about foreign involvement, particularly pointing fingers at Ukraine and NATO, the broader context and motivations behind the attacks remained under investigation.
The violence in Dagestan underscored ongoing security challenges in the region, marked by ethnic and religious diversity amidst persistent militant threats. Russian authorities vowed to continue efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent further incidents of terrorism, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience in the face of external and internal threats.
