Deadly Attacks in Dagestan: Churches, Synagogues, and Police Targeted
A series of coordinated attacks in the Russian Republic of Dagestan has left at least 19 people dead and numerous others injured. The violence erupted on Sunday evening in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, targeting two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police checkpoint. The Russian Counter-Terrorism Committee confirmed the end of the 'anti-terrorism' operation on Monday, announcing that five attackers were killed. However, it remains unclear if some attackers are still at large.
The attacks have claimed the lives of 15 policemen and four civilians, including an Orthodox priest. The Russian Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into what they describe as 'terrorist acts.' The governor of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, suggested that the attacks were linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine, though he did not provide specific details.
Synagogues Set Ablaze Amidst Gunfire
In Derbent, a synagogue was set on fire, and similar attacks occurred in Makhachkala. Boruch Goren, head of the General Council of Jewish Communities of Russia, confirmed the arson attacks on both synagogues. Gunfire echoed through the streets of Makhachkala as large police forces were deployed to manage the situation.
The attackers reportedly used automatic weapons and Molotov cocktails, causing significant damage and casualties. The Russian National Guard reported the death of one of its members in Derbent, and the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed the brutal murder of Archbishop Nikolai Kotelnikov.
The violence in Dagestan is seen as an attempt to destabilize the region, with the attackers aiming to incite interreligious conflict. The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, condemned the attacks, stating that the 'enemy' seeks to destroy interreligious peace in Russia.
- Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region bordering Chechnya, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, has a history of unrest and has been a recruitment ground for the Islamic State (IS). The recent attacks come three months after an IS-claimed attack near Moscow killed 145 people, marking one of the worst terrorist incidents in Russia in years.
- The Russian secret service FSB has linked the recent violence to sleeper cells operating within Dagestan. Governor Melikov has vowed to pursue all individuals involved in the attacks, emphasizing the need to understand that 'war is coming to our homes.'
- The Jewish community in Russia has been particularly shaken by these events, with Boruch Goren highlighting the deliberate targeting of synagogues. The anti-terror authority has also pointed out that the attacks were intended to destabilize society and sow seeds of hatred.
- The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Dagestan, given its potential implications for regional stability. The attacks underscore the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups and the challenges faced by Russian authorities in maintaining security in the volatile Caucasus region.
