In a series of coordinated attacks, militant gunmen targeted two synagogues and an Orthodox church across the volatile region of Dagestan in southern Russia today. The attackers killed two police officers and brutally slit the throat of a priest, causing widespread fear and chaos.
The violent spree began with gunmen firing at the religious sites and a police station, authorities confirmed. Thirteen people were injured during the attacks, which took place in Makhachkala, the regional capital, and Derbent, the southernmost city in Russia, located approximately 80 miles south of Makhachkala.
In Makhachkala, a synagogue was set alight, with smoke pouring from the building. Another synagogue in Derbent was similarly set on fire. Derbent also saw a horrific attack on an Orthodox church, where a priest named locally as 66-year-old Father Nikolai had his throat slit by the gunmen. A guard at the church was also attacked.
Russian authorities reported that one police officer was killed during a shootout at the Derbent synagogue, while another was killed at a police post in Makhachkala. In response, two of the attackers have been killed, according to Russia’s interior ministry. However, the total number of attackers and their identities remain unclear.
These attacks come just months after a deadly terrorist incident in Moscow, where nearly 145 people were killed in an attack by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), a particularly brutal sect of ISIS. In March, ISIS-K militants attacked concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall concert venue, causing significant casualties.
The recent violence in Dagestan has heightened security concerns across southern Russia, a region with a history of unrest. The attacks on the religious sites and law enforcement underscore the persistent threat posed by militant groups and the need for enhanced security measures.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the full scope of the attacks and to identify those responsible. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential implications for regional stability.