The southernmost province of Russia’s Dagestan was rocked by a series of coordinated attacks resulting in a tragic toll of at least nine fatalities and 25 injuries, according to local authorities. Gunmen targeted places of worship and police posts in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, claiming the lives of 15 police officers, four civilians including an Orthodox priest, and at least six militants, as reported by Sergey Melikov, the head of Dagestan Republic.
Dagestan, situated in the North Caucasus on the Caspian Sea, has a history marred by separatist movements and militant violence, exacerbated by ethnic and religious tensions. The recent attacks underscore the ongoing challenges in the region, exacerbated further by Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, which has heightened volatility and mobilization among ethnic minorities. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to stabilize the area and investigate the motives behind these coordinated assaults.
