Terrorist Attacks Rock Dagestan, Russia
The National Antiterrorism Committee reported that a series of armed attacks targeted a synagogue, two Orthodox churches, and a police checkpoint in Dagestan, southern Russia. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least eight police and national guard officers, as well as a priest.
Gunmen carried out simultaneous attacks in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent. Russian officials confirmed they had killed several of the attackers in response. The National Antiterrorism Committee stated that the armed assaults were concentrated in these two cities, affecting multiple religious sites and security locations.
Various law enforcement sources have indicated involvement of an international terrorist organization in these attacks. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened criminal investigations into the incidents, aiming to bring those responsible to justice.
The violence has shocked the region, with local communities and religious leaders condemning the senseless bloodshed. The assaults on places of worship have sparked outrage and calls for increased security measures in the area.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Dagestan mourn the loss of lives and pray for peace in their troubled region.