Gunmen launched coordinated attacks on religious sites and police in two cities in Dagestan, Russia, killing at least 15 police officers, an Orthodox priest, and an unknown number of civilians.
Dagestan’s leader, Sergey Melikov, stated that six attackers were also killed in the violence in Derbent and Makhachkala.
The region, known for separatist and militant activity, has seen increased tension due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Footage showed fires and smoke from a synagogue in Derbent and gunmen shooting at police in Makhachkala.
No group has claimed responsibility yet, but authorities linked the attackers to international terrorism.
The National Antiterrorist Committee confirmed the attacks targeted two Orthodox churches, two synagogues, and police.
Local authorities initially reported nine dead and 25 injured, but the numbers remain unclear.
Dagestan declared three days of mourning, and financial aid will be provided to victims’ families.
Melikov suggested the attackers might have had foreign support and vowed to continue investigations.
One priest was killed, and synagogues were attacked with Molotov cocktails.
Security measures around synagogues had been heightened after an antisemitic incident in October.
The attacks are under investigation, with some officials blaming Ukraine and NATO, though this claim is disputed.
Photo credit:CNN
