Gunmen kill police in Russian Dagestan after attack on synagogue

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Gunmen opened fire in a large-scale attack on a synagogue and a neighboring Orthodox church in Derbent, Dagestan, Russian news agencies report.

A separate attack occurred in Dagestan’s capital, Makhachkala, where a police post was attacked.

Russian media reported that at least two police officers were killed in the shootings and at least six people were injured in the attacks.

Unverified videos posted on X show the burning synagogue and several figures firing multiple shots.

The head of the Republic of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, confirmed the incident in a post on X, saying: “Dagestan police officers stood in their way (the perpetrators). According to preliminary information, there are victims among them.”

Melikov said the identity of the attackers had not yet been established.

Derbent is home to the ancient Jewish community in the North Caucasus, which is predominantly Muslim.

This story will be updated.