Gunmen attacked a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police post across two cities in Russia’s North Caucasus region of Dagestan on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of an Orthodox priest and multiple police officers. The region’s governor, Sergei Melikov, declared it a day of tragedy for Dagestan and the country.
Melikov reported over 15 police officers fell victim to the terrorist attack but did not specify the exact number killed or injured. Russian media reported at least 15 police officers were killed.
The simultaneous attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent came three months after a deadly attack in Moscow. No group has claimed responsibility for these recent attacks.
Authorities identified two of the attackers as sons of a local official. Among the dead were several civilians, including Orthodox priest Nikolai Kotelnikov, who had served in Derbent for over 40 years. Six gunmen were killed during the incidents.
June 24-26 were declared days of mourning in Dagestan. In the aftermath, security forces closed exits from Makhachkala, and authorities warned that some conspirators might still be at large.
Both the synagogue and church in Derbent were set ablaze, and shots were fired at another synagogue in Makhachkala, although it was believed to be empty at the time.
Russian authorities have linked past incidents in the region to militant Muslim elements. Following these attacks, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West and Ukraine of inciting unrest in Russia.