Russian Unity at Risk: Coordinated Attacks Target Religious Buildings, Police in Derbent and Makhachkala, Dagestan

In the coastal city of Derbent, two religious buildings were targeted by unknown individuals. A synagogue was destroyed by fire and an Orthodox church burned down, claiming the life of a 66-year-old priest. The city is located on the west coast of the Caspian Sea and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In Makhachkala, the regional capital over 100 kilometers north of Derbent, a police station, a church, and a synagogue were also attacked. The chairman of the Russian Council of Jewish Communities reported that a synagogue was set on fire. Following the incidents, a manhunt was conducted, resulting in the deaths of two attackers in Derbent and four in Makhachkala.

In Sergokala village, a police car came under fire and an officer was injured. Dagestan’s Interior Ministry stated that unidentified gunmen targeted police officers in the vehicle. President Sergei Melikov confirmed that several civilians and police officers lost their lives in the attacks and declared days of mourning in Dagestan.

The attacks seemed coordinated but were not immediately claimed as such by Melikov who hinted at a potential connection to the conflict in Ukraine and foreign involvement in planning them. Large-scale operations were initiated by Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee to track down all individuals involved. After conclusion of operation, anti-terrorism measures were halted as threats to civilians neutralized.