Terrorist attack on synagogue and Orthodox church in Dagestan: Dozens dead and injured

Head of the Republic of Dagestan Sergey Melikov reported that the June 23 attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala claimed the lives of 15 police officers and several civilians.

According to the Dagestan Ministry of Internal Affairs, 16 wounded people, including 13 police officers and three civilians, were hospitalized in Makhachkala. Other reports indicate at least 34 injured, including 27 police officers.

Melikov announced the elimination of six militants. Officials in Dagestan stated that the main phase of neutralizing the terrorists, who attacked synagogues and Orthodox churches on Sunday, is complete. However, searches and arrests of suspects continue.

The exact number of terror victims is being clarified.

Interfax and Dagestani Telegram channels reported that among the attackers were Osman and Adil Omarov, sons of Magomed Omarov, head of the Sergokalinsky district. His nephew also reportedly took part in the attack. Magomed Omarov has been detained and is being interrogated by the police.

Foreign sources reported that Osman Omarov had ties with an ISIS cell in Turkey and was involved in the construction business in Dagestan, owning the Limonad café in Izberbash.

Another terrorist was identified as Gadzhimurad Kagirov, an MMA fighter from the Sergokalinsky district. He was eliminated during the fight.

The Dagestan Blog wrote about the shootout in the Sergokalinsky district.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no Israelis or members of the Jewish community were among the dead or injured. The synagogue in Derbent was completely burnt down. Israeli sources say that two "local civilian guards" were killed by terrorists, although official data indicates that those killed in Derbent were police officers.

The rabbi of the Makhachkala synagogue told Israeli media that militants fired at the synagogue, but no one was inside during the attack.

Israel's Foreign Affairs ministry stated that "staff at the Israeli embassy in Moscow are in contact with the heads of the Jewish community in Dagestan."

Around 6 PM, terrorists attacked synagogues and two Orthodox churches in Derbent and Makhachkala. In Derbent, an Orthodox priest, Nikolai Kotelnikov, was killed. According to unofficial sources, he was beheaded.