Yesterdays terrorist attack in the Russian republic of Dagestan has left the community reeling with grief and shock.
The coordinated assaults on Orthodox churches and a synagogue have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 15 police officers and one priest.
The Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee announced the end of the operation early Monday (local time), bringing a tense and deadly standoff to a close.
Operation Ends Amid Tragic Losses
Following a harrowing series of attacks in Dagestan's capital, Makhachkala, and the coastal city of Derbent, the Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee declared the operation concluded.
The decision came after successfully neutralizing the immediate threats to civilians, according to official statements made through Russian news agencies AFP and EFE.
Violence Erupts in Places of Worship
On Sunday, armed individuals targeted several religious sites in Dagestan.
A 66-year-old Orthodox priest was among the first victims, killed in Derbent. The attacks also claimed the lives of at least 15 police officers who were defending the communities.
Regional leader Sergei Melikov confirmed these numbers in a video message posted on Telegram, expressing profound sorrow and highlighting the bravery of the fallen officers who "defended civilian lives at the cost of their own."
Initially, authorities reported eight officers and one priest dead. However, as the full scale of the attacks became clear, the death toll rose. Melikov and other officials have condemned these acts as blatant terrorism, aimed at spreading fear and discord within the region. The bravery of the police officers has been underscored in official statements, honoring their sacrifice in protecting civilians during these ruthless attacks.
Dagestan, a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia, has faced numerous security challenges over the years. This latest spate of violence underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the area.
