In Moscow, Russia, a spate of attacks targeted a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police post in the volatile region of Dagestan in North Caucasus. The violence resulted in the tragic deaths of an Orthodox priest and at least 15 police officers, according to regional governor Sergei Melikov.
Described as terrorist acts by Melikov, the attacks occurred in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent on Sunday, shaking the community and prompting concerns about security in the region. While the specific details regarding police casualties were not fully disclosed, the impact of the violence was deeply felt.
Repercussions from these attacks are particularly poignant as they come on the heels of a deadly Islamic State-claimed assault near Moscow three months earlier, which claimed the lives of 145 individuals at a concert hall. The recent events only serve to exacerbate existing tensions in a region long plagued by Islamist insurgency.
No group has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the attacks, leaving authorities to piece together the motives behind the violence. Melikov hinted at having knowledge of the organizers but refrained from providing further details, leaving the community and law enforcement on edge.
In a tragic turn of events, it was reported that several civilians, including Nikolai Kotelnikov, a respected Orthodox priest in Derbent, were among the casualties. The brutal murder of Kotelnikov has sent shockwaves through the local religious community, highlighting the senseless violence that has gripped the region.
Amidst the chaos, security forces swiftly responded to the attacks by engaging and eliminating six gunmen. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of assailants neutralized, with the National Anti-Terrorist Committee reporting the neutralization of five attackers.
In the wake of these devastating events, a solemn atmosphere hangs over Dagestan as Melikov declared three days of mourning. Flags flew at half-staff, and all entertainment events were canceled from June 24-26 as a mark of respect for the lives lost and the community’s collective grief.