Cities in Russia’s Dagestan region were rattled on June 23, 2024, by a string of synchronized attacks. Derbent and Makhachkala, which are predominantly Muslim, witnessed armed Islamic militants launching attacks on two synagogues, two Orthodox churches, and police posts. The violent attacks resulted in at least 21 fatalities, which included 16 law enforcement officers and an Orthodox priest.
The wave of violence started in the historically rich and culturally diverse city of Derbent. Gunmen set the Kele-Numaz synagogue, a significant cultural and historical landmark, on fire. Eyewitnesses relayed that the assailants also struck two nearby Orthodox churches, causing the death of a law enforcement officer and a 66-year-old priest named Nikolai Kotelnikov, who had been serving the community for over four decades. Social media was abuzz with videos documenting the heavy gunfire and ensuing panic as law enforcement officers attempted to manage the crisis.
In the Dagestan capital, Makhachkala, attackers targeted a police post, leading to the death of an officer and injury to several others. The assailants also attacked another synagogue and an Orthodox church, attempted to set fire to its central icon, and fired at the congregation.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed the death of all five attackers during the course of the assaults.
Expressing deep sorrow, Governor Sergei Melikov announced three days of mourning. Flags were lowered to half-staff, and all entertainment events were suspended. In his address to the nation, Melikov stated, “This is a day of tragedy for Dagestan and the whole country. We understand who is behind the organization of the terrorist attacks and what goal they pursued,” without offering further specifics.
The authorities identified some of the attackers as the sons of Magomed Omarov, a local district head. Reports from Russian media indicate these individuals were part of a larger terrorist network. The incidents have been classified as acts of terrorism by the Russian National Anti-Terrorist Committee, which has initiated an investigation.
The Dagestan attacks are the latest in a series of violent incidents in Russia, raising questions about the nation’s security measures. In March 2024, 145 people were killed in an attack at a concert hall near Moscow, an incident claimed by the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province. These recent events have fueled concerns that Russia’s security agencies may be overstretched, particularly with ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
Dagestan, a region known for its ethnically and religiously diverse history, has endured periods of instability and rebellion in the past. In the early 2000s, the region was troubled by Islamist insurgent activities that spilled over from neighboring Chechnya. While the frequency of such attacks has decreased in recent years, the recent violence underscores the enduring threat of terrorism.
The global community has responded with condemnation. Leaders from various countries and organizations expressed their condolences and decried the attacks as acts of terrorism. United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres also condemned the attacks and offered his condolences.
The regional government has pledged to unearth any remaining terrorist cells and guarantee the safety and security of its residents.
