June 23, 2024 was a day of violence for the typically tranquil cities of Derbent and Makhachkala in the Dagestan region of Russia. These predominantly Muslim areas were rattled by a series of synchronized assaults. Islamic militants, heavily armed, struck two synagogues, two Orthodox churches, and police stations, causing a total of 21 fatalities, including 16 police officers and an Orthodox priest.
The bloodshed started in Derbent, a city recognized for its rich cultural heritage and history. The attackers set the Kele-Numaz synagogue, a site of considerable cultural and historical importance, on fire. Eyewitnesses stated that the assailants also targeted two nearby Orthodox churches, leading to the death of a police officer and a priest, Nikolai Kotelnikov, 66, who had served his community for four decades. Videos on social media depicted the fierce gunfire and disorder as law enforcement officials responded to the emerging crisis.
In the capital city of Dagestan, Makhachkala, armed men attacked a police station, causing another police officer’s death and several injuries. The assailants also attacked a synagogue there and attempted to set an Orthodox church on fire and opened fire on the congregation.
The Russian Investigative Committee announced that all five assailants were killed during the attacks.
Governor Sergei Melikov addressed the nation, expressing deep sorrow and declaring a three-day mourning period. Flags were lowered halfway, and all entertainment events were halted. “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,” Governor Melikov said, although he did not elaborate further.
The authorities have identified some of the attackers as the sons of Magomed Omarov, a local district leader. Reports in the Russian media suggest that these individuals were part of a larger terrorist network. The Russian National Anti-Terrorist Committee has started an investigation, categorizing the incidents as acts of terrorism.
These attacks in Dagestan are part of a recent string of violent incidents in Russia, leading to questions about the country’s security measures’ efficiency. An assault at a concert hall near Moscow in March 2024 claimed by the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province resulted in 145 deaths. These incidents have ignited fears that Russia’s security agencies might be strained, particularly with ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
Dagestan, a region known for its complex ethnic and religious diversity, has had periods of instability and rebellion in the past. During the early 2000s, the area was troubled by Islamist insurgent activities from neighboring Chechnya. Although the frequency of such attacks has lessened in recent years, the recent violence underscores the continuing threat of terrorism.
The international community has expressed condemnation from various sectors. Leaders from multiple countries and organizations have extended their condolences and denounced the attacks as acts of terrorism. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, also condemned the attacks and expressed his condolences.
The regional government has pledged to identify any remaining terrorist cells and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
