A series of attacks on Sunday evening in the Russian republic of Dagestan has left over 16 people dead.
A group of armed militants opened fire at two churches and two synagogues in two separate cities in Dagestan on Sunday.
At least 15 police officers, as well as civilians and a priest are among those confirmed dead. Three days of mourning have been declared in Dagestan following the attack.
Russia attacks
Dagestan is in southwestern Russia, bordering Georgia and Azerbaijan to the south. It is one of the most ethnically diverse regions of Russia, and the majority of Dagestanis are Muslim.
The attack on Sunday occurred in churches and synagogues in two Dagestani cities — the capital Makhachkala, and Derbent, about 125 kilometres from each other.
A police post in Makhachkala was also targeted as part of the attack.
Responses
The identities of each attacker are yet to be established, but the group behind the attack are believed to be linked to a terrorist organisation. No group has officially claimed responsibility.
Head of the Dagestan Republic Sergey Melikov said investigations to determine all people involved in the attack will continue, adding that the situation was under control.
The Dagestan Government will be providing assistance to the families of the victims and those injured in the attacks.
Head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill I said: “We see that the enemy is not giving up on attempts to destroy interreligious peace and harmony within our society”.
The synagogues were attacked about 40 minutes before evening prayers, with Russia’s Federation of Jewish Communities saying the two buildings were set on fire.
Dagestan’s Jewish community has reportedly reduced from 50,000 to 10,000 amid antisemitic attacks. In October 2023, rioters broke past security at the Makhachkala airport in search of Jewish passengers arriving from Tel Aviv, following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
