Orthodox churches and a synagogue were attacked in the capital, Makhachkala, and the coastal city of Derbent. The authorities denounced “terrorist” acts.
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The anti-terrorist operation is over. Armed men who attacked Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police checkpoint on Sunday June 23 were neutralized, according to the Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK). These attacks left at least 19 people dead, including four civilians, in the Dagestan capital Makhachkala and the coastal city of Derbent.
A 66-year-old priest of the Russian Orthodox Church was killed in Derbent, according to Russian authorities. At least 15 police officers were also killed. They “protected the civilian inhabitants (…) at the cost of their lives”, underlined the regional leader, Sergei Melikov. The authorities’ initial toll reported eight police officers and a priest killed in the attacks.
“Unknown people fired automatic weapons at a synagogue and a church” from Derbent around 6 p.m. (5 p.m. in Paris), said the Dagestan Interior Ministry. On Telegram, the administration also published a video showing attackers shooting at police officers in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.
During the anti-terrorist operation which ended Monday morning, “five persons” have been “liquidated”revealed investigators from the Russian Investigative Committee. “Their identity has been established”they added, without specifying whether other attackers were still on the run or not.
