In a tragic series of events, coordinated attacks in Russia’s southern province of Dagestan have resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 25 others.
The attacks targeted synagogues, churches, and a police traffic stop in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, situated approximately 120 kilometres apart. Authorities have launched a terror investigation into the incidents.
The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan stated that a terror investigation under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is underway.
They are working to establish all the circumstances of the attacks and identify those involved. The attacks left seven law enforcement officers, a priest, and a church security guard dead. Four militants were also killed during the incidents, according to the Russian news agency TASS.
Local authorities have reported that one of the victims, Father Nikolay, a 66-year-old priest in Derbent, had his throat slit. Shamil Khadulaev, Chairman of the Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission, revealed that a church security guard armed only with a pistol was also shot. Among the law enforcement officers killed was Mavludin Khidirnabiev, head of the "Dagestan Lights" police department.
In Makhachkala, a church faced a siege where 19 people locked themselves inside for safety during a shootout that resulted in the death of at least one attacker. Meanwhile, in Derbent, a synagogue was set on fire, with images showing heavy smoke and large flames emanating from the building. The synagogue in Makhachkala also came under gunfire around the same time.
Sergey Melikov, head of the Dagestan Republic, issued a statement on Telegram condemning the attacks. He noted that unknown individuals attempted to destabilise the social situation in the region but were met by police resistance.
Melikov assured that an operational headquarters has been established and a counter-operation plan called “Interception” is being carried out. He urged the public to remain calm, emphasising that the attackers’ goal of inciting panic would not succeed.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the incidents as a combined attack on the two synagogues. They confirmed that the synagogue in Derbent was burned to the ground and local guards were killed, while the synagogue in Makhachkala was attacked by gunfire. Fortunately, no worshippers were present in the synagogues at the time, and there are no known casualties from the Jewish community.
The incidents have sparked significant concern and highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and social stability in the region. As investigations continue, authorities are focused on bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of all residents.
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