At least 15 police officers among those killed in Dagestan attacks
In response to a series of deadly attacks, three days of mourning have been declared in Dagestan, a region in Russia’s North Caucasus. The attacks, targeting a church, synagogue, and police post, left 19 people dead, including 15 police officers and an Orthodox priest. Five attackers were also killed in Dagestan attacks.
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The violence erupted on Sunday, coinciding with Pentecost for the Russian Orthodox Church. Gunmen attacked the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, with videos showing smoke and flames over Derbent as the synagogue burned. Both religious sites and police checkpoints were targeted.
Authorities Investigate Acts of Terror After Dozens Killed in Dagestan Attacks
Dagestan, bordering Chechnya, has a history of unrest. The Investigative Committee has launched criminal investigations into the “acts of terror.” Regional Governor Sergei Melikov called it a “day of tragedy,” and authorities cancelled entertainment programs while flags were flown at half-mast.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the risk of wider violence, asserting that Russian society is now more consolidated. However, the attacks echo past conflicts and raise concerns of renewed instability. The identities of the attackers are under investigation, with some reports suggesting links to international terrorist organisations.
This incident follows previous unrest in Dagestan, including a significant attack at a Moscow concert in March. Authorities are trying to stop more bloodshed, so things are still tense.
