At least 15 people, including police officers and a priest, lost their lives during coordinated shootings at synagogues, churches, and a police post in the North Caucasus region of Dagestan on Sunday. Governor Sergei Melikov described the incidents as a “terrorist attack” targeting multiple locations in Makhachkala, Dagestan’s largest city, and the coastal city of Derbent.
Authorities reported that police forces neutralized four gunmen in Makhachkala and two in Derbent during the attacks. Among the casualties were civilians, including an Orthodox priest who had served in Derbent for over 40 years.
Governor Melikov addressed the situation on Telegram, stating, “This evening in Derbent and Makhachkala unknown attackers made attempts to destabilise the situation in society.” He indicated a connection to the Russia-Ukraine war without specifying further.
“The active phase of operations in Derbent and Makhachkala has concluded,” Melikov announced, confirming the elimination of “six bandits.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend all individuals involved in planning and executing the attacks, including potential ties abroad.
Dagestan has declared June 24-26 as days of mourning, with flags lowered to half-staff and all entertainment events cancelled in respect for the victims. Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched investigations into the incidents under charges of terrorism.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, Russian state media cited law enforcement sources suggesting involvement of individuals linked to the head of Sergokala district in central Dagestan. In Derbent, both a synagogue and a church were reportedly set on fire during the assaults.
This incident follows a similar pattern to an attack three months ago when the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on a concert hall near Moscow, marking Russia’s worst terrorist attack in recent years.
