Multiple police officers and a priest were tragically killed in a series of coordinated attacks in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday. Gunmen targeted a synagogue, churches, and a police post in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake.
According to local law enforcement officials, at least six police officers and a priest lost their lives in the attacks, with a dozen or more officers sustaining injuries. The violence unfolded in a shocking manner, with gunmen opening fire at places of worship and law enforcement facilities, sparking fear and panic among residents.
Videos posted by Russian state news agencies showed the Derbent synagogue engulfed in flames, with the local police confirming that the synagogue and a church had been burned down. In Makhachkala, gunmen unleashed chaos on the streets, targeting a synagogue and forcing people out of their cars.
The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a terrorism investigation into the attacks, as the country grapples with the aftermath of the senseless violence. Dagestan, a region with a significant Muslim and Jewish population, has been plagued by ethnic and religious tensions for years, exacerbated by recent conflicts in the Middle East.
Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, condemned the attacks as an attempt to destabilize the region, as law enforcement officers worked to apprehend the perpetrators. While some of the gunmen were killed in the clashes, others remain at large, prompting heightened security measures in Makhachkala.
The tragic events in Dagestan come on the heels of a recent terrorist attack in Moscow, where scores of innocent civilians lost their lives in a concert hall shooting. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Moscow attack, underscoring the ongoing threat of terrorism in Russia.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in Dagestan, questions remain about the motives and identities of the attackers. The authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
