In a series of coordinated attacks, at least nine people have tragically lost their lives and 25 others sustained injuries in Russia’s southernmost province of Dagestan. Local authorities confirmed that gunmen targeted several places of worship and a police traffic stop across the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, which are approximately 120km apart.
Among the deceased are seven law enforcement officers, a priest, and a church security guard, as reported by local authorities. The head of the “Dagestan Lights” police department, Mavludin Khidirnabiev, was among the officers killed during the attacks.
According to the Russian news agency TASS, four militants involved in the attacks have also been neutralized. Although no group has claimed responsibility, law enforcement agencies suspect the perpetrators are linked to an international terrorist organization.
Shamil Khadulaev, Chairman of the Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission, provided details about the brutal killing of Father Nikolay, a 66-year-old priest, and a security guard who valiantly defended with limited means.
Nighttime footage released by the Republic of Dagestan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs depicted a heavy police presence outside the gates of the Svyato-Uspenskiy Sobor cathedral in Makhachkala, underscoring the intensity of the assaults.
The attacks extended to two synagogues in Derbent and Makhachkala, according to the Russian Jewish Congress, where assailants used Molotov cocktails and gunfire, resulting in extensive damage. Fortunately, no worshippers were present during these assaults, minimizing potential casualties.
In response to these tragic events, an operational headquarters has been established, and a counter-operation dubbed “Interception” is actively underway. Sergey Melikov, head of the Dagestan Republic, assured the public via Telegram that local authorities are determined to maintain stability and apprehend those responsible.
The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan has initiated a terrorism investigation to thoroughly probe the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Israeli foreign ministry also expressed deep concern over the attacks on synagogues, confirming the destruction of the Derbent synagogue and the targeted shooting at the Makhachkala synagogue.
As investigations continue, authorities urge calm among residents, emphasizing resilience against attempts to sow panic and fear within the community.
