Deadly Militant Attacks in Dagestan: Churches, Synagogue and Police Posts Targeted

Militants attacked two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post in Dagestan, Russia, resulting in multiple fatalities including policemen and a priest. The assaults were quickly labeled as terrorist acts by Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee. Authorities have launched a counter-terrorist operation and criminal probe.

Militants launched a series of coordinated attacks on Sunday, hitting two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan. Multiple fatalities were reported, including more than 15 policemen and several civilians, such as an Orthodox priest, as per Governor Sergei Melikov.

The attacks, described as 'terrorist acts' by Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee, took place in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala. Eyewitnesses reported the churches and synagogue catching fire amidst the chaos, while sporadic gunfire was heard, claiming the lives of at least six policemen among others.

In a swift response, authorities initiated a counter-terrorist operation. The Muftiate of Dagestan reported a total of nine killed, including seven policemen, and 25 injured. Conflicting casualty numbers emerged, and investigations are ongoing, with a criminal probe opened on charges of terrorist acts.