Tragic news struck Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan as armed militants launched deadly attacks on Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post, resulting in the loss of several lives. Among the victims were a priest, a church security guard, and at least six police officers.
The National Anti-Terrorism Committee labeled the assaults as “terrorist” activities, highlighting the grave nature of the incidents. The ministry reported that a group of armed men opened fire on the synagogue and church in Derbent, setting both buildings ablaze before fleeing the scene.
In a separate incident, a traffic police post in the region’s capital faced an attack, resulting in the death of six officers and injuries to several others. The public monitoring commission of Dagestan confirmed the fatalities, adding to the growing tally of casualties.
While the perpetrators remain at large, speculations linking the attacks to Ukraine and NATO have surfaced, although no official claims have been made. President Ramzan Kadyrov of Chechnya denounced the violent acts as provocative and aimed at stirring religious discord in the region.