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Coordinated Terrorist Attacks in Dagestan Target Synagogue and Church, Killing Seven Officers and Priest, Injuring 34

Jun 23, 2024, 06:05 PM

In the Russian Republic of Dagestan, coordinated terrorist attacks targeted a synagogue and an Orthodox church in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala on June 23, 2024. The attacks resulted in heavy gunfire and fires at both religious sites. At least nine people were killed, including seven law enforcement officers, two civilians, and a 66-year-old priest, Father Nikolai Kotelnikov, who had his throat slit. Additionally, 34 others were injured, including 27 law enforcement officers. The attackers, dressed in black, also fired at police cars and a checkpoint. Two militants were killed in Derbent, and four were neutralized in Makhachkala. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Dagestan and the National Anti-Terrorism Committee confirmed the casualties and ongoing operations.