Terrorists wreaked havoc in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, where a significant Muslim population resides. On Sunday, they targeted two churches and a police post, resulting in over 15 deaths, including police officers, civilians, and a religious leader. Dagestan Governor Sergey Melikov announced the tragic news early Monday through a video message. Russian security officials reported that the attackers opened fire at two traditional churches, a prayer hall, and a police post.
In the capital, Makhachkala, terrorists attacked a church and a traffic police post. Similarly, armed individuals fired at a prayer hall and a church in the city of Derbent, as confirmed by the Dagestan Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to Russian government media reports, both the church and the prayer hall were set ablaze.
The Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee described the attack as an act of terrorism and noted Dagestan's history of armed rebellion. The committee declared Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday as days of mourning.
An ongoing anti-terror operation in the attacked areas has reportedly neutralized five terrorists so far. However, the exact number of terrorists involved in the attacks remains unclear. No terrorist group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. Meanwhile, Russian state news agency TASS reported that a security official's son from Dagestan has been detained on suspicion of involvement in the attacks.
