Coordinated Attacks in Dagestan Kill 9, Injure 25; Terror Investigation Launched

Coordinated Attacks in Dagestan Kill 9, Injure 25; Terror Investigation Launched/Reuters

Dil Bar Irshad | June 24, 2024 | 08:42 AM IST | Breaking News, Russia, World | Follow on Google News

Coordinated Attacks in Dagestan Kill 9, Injure 25; Terror Investigation Launched

Coordinated Attacks in Dagestan Kill 9, Injure 25; Terror Investigation Launched

Key Highlights:

1. Coordinated attacks in Dagestan kill nine and injure 25.
2. Attacks targeted churches, synagogues, and a police traffic stop.
3. Russian authorities launch a “terror investigation.”

As many as nine people were killed and 25 sustained injuries in coordinated attacks by gunmen in Dagestan, Russia’s southernmost province. The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan has initiated a “terror investigation” into the attacks under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, according to CNN.

The attacks were reported in churches, synagogues, and a police traffic stop in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, approximately 120 kilometers apart. “All the circumstances of the incident and the persons involved in the terrorist attacks are being established, and their actions will be given a legal assessment,” said the investigation directorate.

Among the deceased are seven law enforcement officers, a priest, and a church security guard, as per local authorities. Four “militants” were also killed, according to the Russian news agency TASS. Shamil Khadulaev, Chairman of Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission, reported that Father Nikolay, a 66-year-old ill priest, was killed in the Derbent church, and a security guard armed only with a pistol was shot.

In Makhachkala, 19 people locked themselves in a church for safety during a shootout, resulting in at least one attacker’s death, TASS reported. A synagogue in Derbent was set on fire, with photos showing large flames and heavy smoke. Another synagogue and a police traffic post in Makhachkala also came under fire.

Sergey Melikov, head of the Dagestan Republic, stated on Telegram that unknown persons attempted to destabilize the social situation, leading to casualties among Dagestan police officers. An operational headquarters has been established, and a counter-operation plan named “Interception” is being implemented. Melikov urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that “panic and fear” would not succeed.

The Israeli foreign ministry described the incident as “a combined attack” on two synagogues. The Derbent synagogue was burned to the ground, and guards were killed, while the Makhachkala synagogue was attacked by gunfire. The ministry confirmed no casualties among the Jewish community as no worshipers were present at the time of the attacks.

(Inputs from original source – CNN)

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.