Unidentified gunmen launched simultaneous attacks on churches and synagogues, and a police post in Dagestan’s largest city, Makhachkala, and the coastal city of Derbent.
The assaults resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people, including policemen and a longtime Orthodox priest.
Governor Declares Incident as Terrorism
Governor Sergei Melikov of Dagestan condemned the attacks on churches, synagogues as terrorism, emphasizing the coordinated effort to destabilize society. He stated that the perpetrators had been identified and linked the attacks to broader geopolitical tensions, possibly related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Response and Investigations
Law enforcement swiftly responded, neutralizing six gunmen and terrorists involved in the attacks. The Russian Investigative Committee launched criminal investigations into the incidents, though no group immediately claimed responsibility.
National Mourning Declared
In response to the tragedy, Dagestan declared June 24-26 as days of mourning. Flags were lowered to half-staff, and all entertainment activities were suspended to honor the victims of the attacks.
The attacks come amidst heightened security concerns in Russia following previous large-scale terrorist incidents, including a major attack near Moscow claimed by the Islamic State earlier in the year.
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