Gunmen Slaughter 19 Individuals in Dagestan - Officials Assert "Terrorist Incident"
In light of recent events, it appears that a series of attacks have been targeted at two orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police control point. These incidents, initially left unclaimed, are currently under investigation for acts of terrorism. Representatives from the Jewish community have also reported an additional synagogue being set ablaze during the attack.
The attacks, with no clear culprits initially, occurred in Makhachkala, the capital city of Dagestan, and nearby Derbent. Additionally, armed individuals opened fire on a police car in the Sergokala settlement, wounding a police officer.
Dagestan's Governor, Melikov, has hinted at the connection between these terrorist attacks and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine: "We must acknowledge that war is seeping into our homes. We've experienced it firsthand, but today we stand united against it." He also mentioned that all members linked to these sleeping cell and involved in the attacks will be pursued.
These attacks occurred approximately three months after the incident at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in a Moscow suburb, which resulted in over 140 casualties. The Islamic State (IS) militia took responsibility for the attack. Russian authorities accused Kyiv of complicity, but no evidence was ever presented.
The Muslim-majority region of Dagestan lies along the border with Georgia and Azerbaijan. In April, four individuals were detained in the Kaukasus Republic in relation to the Crocus City Hall attack, as they allegedly supplied funds and weapons for the assault, according to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
Over the past few years, numerous individuals from Dagestan have joined the Islamic State in Syria. Neighboring Chechnya has been embroiled in bloody wars against Islamic separatists in the 1990s. Since the end of the Chechen wars, Russian authorities have continued to grapple with militant Islamists from the entire North Caucasus, some of whom have been responsible for the deaths of numerous civilians and policemen.
In response to concerns about the potential return of a wave of violence similar to the 90s and 2000s, the Kremlin has remained adamant that Russia has evolved, and Russian society has become "unified." Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, declared on Monday that such acts of terrorism would not garner support from Russian or Dagestani society.
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- The affected synagogue in Makhachkala, the religious heart of the city's Jewish community, was severely damaged in the incident.
- The authorities in the Caucasus Republic are working closely with local priests and community leaders to provide support to the affected people.
- The attack on the synagogue was condemned by Ukrainian authorities, who expressed their solidarity with the people of Dagestan in this challenging time.
- On Sunday, people across Dagestan and particularly in Crocus City, a popular leisure destination, held peaceful rallies in solidarity against terrorism.
- Sergei Melikov, the governor of Dagestan, called on the international community to join Russia in the fight against terrorism, stressing that the recent attacks were not an isolated incident.
- Reports suggested that the attacker, who remains at large, used a backpack full of explosives to carry out the attack on the synagogue.
- The police are intimidating no stone unturned in their investigation, working tirelessly to uncover any leads that might lead to the capture of the culprits responsible for the terror attack.
- Witnesses reported seeing a large crowd gathering outside the synagogue shortly after the incident, as people came to offer their condolences and support to the affected community.
- To address rising concerns about security, the police have increased patrols in key areas of Derbent and Makhachkala, particularly in the vicinity of places of worship, to ensure the safety of believers and visitors.
