Fifteen law enforcement officials fatally shot in assault in Dagestan, Russia
In the Russian region of Dagestan, situated in the North Caucasus, a series of violent attacks have left over 15 police officers and several civilians dead. The orthodox priest was among the deceased, as confirmed by Governor Sergey Melikow in a video message. The authorities are observing a three-day period of mourning in the region.
On Sunday, it was reported that unknown individuals launched attacks on an orthodox church and a synagogue in Derbent City, setting both buildings on fire. Nearly simultaneously, armed attacks were carried out on another church and a police station in Makhachkala, the regional capital. The National Anti-Terror Committee classified these attacks as terrorist acts.
The authorities initiated an anti-terror operation in the region. Reports suggest that five suspected attackers were "taken out" by the responsible committee. However, the governor referred to six "thugs" who were "eliminated." The contradictory statements didn't receive immediate clarification, and the exact number of attackers remains uncertain. No one has taken responsibility for the attacks.
Rumors circulate that a Dagestani official was apprehended due to his sons' alleged involvement in the attacks. Governor Melikow assured that the situation was under control and the investigations would continue until all hideouts of radicals are exposed.
He hinted that the attacks could have been planned from overseas, yet no solid evidence was presented. He drew a parallel between the attacks and the Russian military's deployment in Ukraine.
In a previous incident in March, gunmen attacked a crowd in a Moscow suburban concert hall, resulting in the death of 145 people. A division of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Russia attempted to link Ukraine with the attack, but provided no concrete evidence. Kiev strongly denied any connection.
