📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on synagogues, churches, and a police post in Russia’s North Caucasus region of Dagestan, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 15 individuals, including police officers and a priest. The attacks took place in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent on Sunday, with Governor Sergei Melikov denouncing the violence as a ‘terrorist attack’. The assailants were involved in simultaneous shootings in both cities, with police forces eliminating a total of six gunmen. Among the deceased were numerous civilians, including an Orthodox priest with over 40 years of service in Derbent.
Following the attacks, it was declared that June 24-26 would be days of mourning in Dagestan, with flags flown at half-staff and all entertainment events canceled. The Governor highlighted the need to root out any remaining members of the sleeper cells responsible for the violence, including potential foreign connections. Russia’s Investigative Committee initiated criminal probes into the ‘acts of terror’, although no group has claimed responsibility as of yet.
The tragic incident echoes past extremist violence in Russia, notably the concert hall attack near Moscow that claimed 145 lives. Dagestan, a region historically plagued by violence, has experienced rare attacks in recent years. The Kremlin has been quiet on the identities of the attackers, leaving many questions unanswered amidst the grief and shock felt across the country. Stay updated on this developing story on HeadlineFly.com.
