Gunmen Attack Synagogue and Church in Russia's Dagestan, Killing Six Policemen

A wave of violence shook the North Caucasus region of Dagestan in Russia, as gunmen carried out deadly attacks.

Attacks and Casualties

Gunmen opened fire at a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police post, resulting in the tragic deaths of six policemen and one Orthodox priest. Furthermore, 12 individuals sustained injuries, inflicting a heavy toll on the community.

Unrest in Makhachkala

The chief administrative town, Makhachkala, was engulfed in street fights, intensifying the sense of chaos and fear in the region, which is predominantly Muslim and situated on the Caspian Sea.

In the city of Derbent, about 75 miles south of Makhachkala, law enforcement authorities readied themselves to confront the armed individuals who had taken refuge in a building, escalating the tension in the area.

Targets of the Attacks

The assailants targeted a synagogue and an Orthodox church in Derbent, causing significant damage to both sacred places. Derbent is not only home to an ancient Jewish community but also a UNESCO World Heritage site, amplifying the impact of the attacks.