Deadly Attacks on Churches and Synagogue in Southern Russia
By Henri Astier and Steve Rosenberg, BBC News, London & Moscow
Coordinated attacks on police posts, churches, and a synagogue in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Dagestan have resulted in the deaths of 19 police officers and several civilians. Six gunmen were also killed in the assaults, which targeted the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala during the Orthodox festival of Pentecost.
Wave of Violence in Dagestan
The assailants, who have not been officially identified, launched attacks on two churches, a synagogue, and a police post in Makhachkala, Dagestan’s largest city. Among the victims was an Orthodox Church priest, Father Nikolai Kotelnikov, who had served in Derbent for over 40 years. Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, declared three days of mourning beginning Monday to honor the victims.
Speculation on Attackers’ Identities
Mr. Melikov suggested that the attackers’ actions were planned abroad and implied a connection to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “We understand who is behind the organisation of the terrorist attacks and what goal they pursued,” he stated, although he did not provide specific details. A video on Telegram echoed these sentiments, indicating that Dagestan is now directly involved in the larger geopolitical struggle.
Broader Implications and Responses
The attacks have sparked significant concern among Russian officials. Dmitry Rogozin, a prominent Russian nationalist in occupied Ukraine, cautioned against attributing every incident to Ukraine and NATO, warning that such assumptions could lead to larger issues. Footage circulating on social media shows assailants in dark clothing firing at police vehicles, followed by a rapid response from emergency services.
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In Derbent, gunmen targeted a synagogue and a church, both of which were set ablaze. Additionally, a police vehicle was attacked in the village of Sergokal. Authorities have detained Magomed Omarov, head of the Sergokalinsky district near Makhachkala, after reports indicated that two of his sons were involved in the attacks.
Historical Context of Violence in Dagestan
Dagestan, predominantly Muslim and one of Russia’s poorest regions, has a history of violence linked to Islamist militants. Between 2007 and 2017, the Caucasus Emirate and later the Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus conducted numerous attacks in Dagestan and neighboring republics. The current violence echoes these past conflicts, despite claims by Russian authorities that they had maintained interfaith harmony and unity.
The counter-terrorism operation launched in response to the attacks has now concluded, according to Russian news agencies. The recent incidents highlight the ongoing instability in Dagestan and the broader North Caucasus region, where historical tensions and new geopolitical conflicts converge.
