Russia church & synagogue attack- Over 15 Police officers, a

On Sunday, a series of terrorist attacks in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan resulted in the deaths of more than 15 individuals, including policemen, an Orthodox priest, and civilians. Several others sustained injuries. These attacks targeted churches, synagogues, and a police traffic stop in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, approximately 120 kilometers apart, according to Russian authorities.

Key Updates on the Incident

Simultaneous Attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala: Dagestan's interior ministry reported that a group of armed men attacked a synagogue and a church in Derbent, a city on the Caspian Sea. Both buildings subsequently caught fire, with social media images showing large flames and thick smoke emanating from the windows. Concurrently, attacks were reported on a church and a traffic police post in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.
Casualties Reported: Among the victims were seven law enforcement officers, a priest, and a church security guard, as confirmed by Russian authorities and reported by the Associated Press (AP).

Details of the Attacks: In Derbent, the assailants slit the throat of Father Nikolay, the priest, while the security guard was shot dead. One of the deceased law enforcement officers was identified as the head of the 'Dagestan Lights' police department.
Survivors' Ordeal: During the attack on a church in Makhachkala, 19 people barricaded themselves inside for protection.
Counter-Terrorist Operations: In response to the attacks, Russian authorities initiated a counter-terrorist operation, resulting in the deaths of at least four attackers, as reported by Russian media.

Over 15 people, including priest, killed in ‘terrorist acts’ in Russia

Classification as Terrorist Acts: Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee classified the incidents as "terrorist acts," noting that the region has a history of armed terrorism, particularly in its predominantly Muslim areas.
Legal Actions: The investigative directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan launched a "terror investigation" under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. They are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and the identities of those involved, with legal assessments to follow.

Official Statements: Sergey Melikov, head of the Dagestan Republic, released a statement on Telegram condemning the attacks. He indicated that efforts were underway to identify the attackers and stabilize the situation. Melikov urged residents to remain calm, asserting that "panic and fear" were the attackers' objectives, which they would not achieve from the people of Dagestan.
Detention of a Dagestani Official: Local media reported that a Dagestani official was detained due to his son's involvement in the attacks.
Period of Mourning: The Russian authorities declared three days of mourning in the region, lasting until Wednesday.