The southern republic of Dagestan in Russia was rocked by two coordinated attacks on Sunday night, leaving at least 15 law enforcement officers and four civilians dead. The gunmen, armed with rifles and Molotov cocktails, targeted synagogues and Orthodox churches in two major cities in Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region on the Caspian Sea.
Among the civilians killed was Nikolai Kotelnikov, a priest in the city of Derbent, where the attackers also set fire to a synagogue. The gunmen engaged in shooting sprees with law enforcement for hours before five attackers were eventually killed, according to local officials.
Russian investigators have labeled the attack as an act of terrorism, but the responsible party remains unclear. The Kremlin has declared a three-day mourning period in Dagestan, a region known for its religious and ethnic diversity, and families of the victims will receive special compensation.
This attack is the latest in a series of extremist violence incidents in Russia, highlighting the country’s complex security challenges amidst ongoing conflicts, including the war in neighboring Ukraine. The government has faced criticism for its handling of previous attacks, with officials sometimes deflecting blame onto the West and Ukraine without evidence.
Despite the tragic events, Dagestan’s top official, Sergei Melikov, urged residents to stay strong and united against terrorism. A manhunt is underway to capture any remaining members of extremist groups believed to have been involved in the attacks.
As the investigation continues, the people of Dagestan are left grappling with the aftermath of the violence that has shaken their communities.
