Gunmen Attack Churches, Synagogues in Russia; 15 Dead Including Cops, Priest

Photo : Reuters 

In a shocking and coordinated series of attacks, unidentified gunmen targeted synagogues, churches, and a police post in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people, including policemen and a priest. The attacks occurred on Sunday in the region's largest city, Makhachkala, and the coastal city of Derbent, according to the region's governor, Sergei Melikov.

The attackers launched their assaults simultaneously in both cities, with Governor Melikov labeling the incidents as a "terrorist attack." In response, police forces engaged the gunmen, killing four attackers in Makhachkala and two in Derbent.

Governor Melikov reported that the fatalities included several civilians and an Orthodox priest who had served the community in Derbent for over 40 years. "This evening in Derbent and Makhachkala unknown attackers attempted to destabilize our society," Melikov stated on Telegram. He also hinted at a possible connection to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, suggesting that the attackers had broader objectives aimed at spreading unrest.

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"We know who is behind these terrorist attacks and what objective they are pursuing," Melikov asserted, emphasizing the need for vigilance. He remarked, "We must understand that war comes to our homes too. We felt it, but today we face it."

Authorities have declared the "active phase" of operations in both cities to be over, confirming that six of the attackers have been "liquidated." Efforts are now underway to identify and apprehend any remaining members of the terrorist cells involved, including those potentially operating from abroad.

In a show of respect for the victims, June 24-26 have been declared days of mourning in Dagestan. Flags will be flown at half-staff, and all entertainment events have been canceled.

Russia's Investigative Committee has launched criminal investigations into the "acts of terror" in Dagestan. Despite the severity of the attacks, there has been no immediate claim of responsibility.

State media reported that among the attackers were two sons of the head of the central Dagestan's Sergokala district, who have been detained. Additionally, in Derbent, both the synagogue and church were reported to have been set on fire.

This incident comes just three months after a devastating attack claimed by the Islamic State on a concert hall near Moscow, which resulted in the deaths of 145 people. That attack was Russia's worst terrorist incident in recent years, highlighting the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country.

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