Attack on places of worship in Russian Dagestan; priest and seven security forces killed (Lead)

Moscow, July 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a traffic police station in Russia’s Dagestan region were attacked on Sunday, reportedly killing a priest and at least seven security personnel, including six local police officers.

In response to the attacks, an anti-terrorist operation has been launched in Dagestan, while exchanges of fire are still taking place at some locations and some of them are also on fire, RT reported.

The attacks took place in Makhachkala, the region’s capital, and in Derbent. Russian authorities described the attackers as members of an “international terrorist organization” but did not provide further details.

While earlier reports said that unknown assailants fired automatic weapons at the religious buildings in Makhachkala and then fled in a vehicle, heavy fighting was reported near the church in Makhachkala, according to RIA Novosti. Local media reported that around 40 people were being held hostage inside, but authorities have not yet confirmed this.

In addition, a traffic police station in the center of Makhachkala was attacked, killing several police officers.

Deaths among police officers were reported in both Makhachkala and Derbent.

A 66-year-old Orthodox priest was killed in the attack on the church in Derbent. A local official had previously claimed that the attackers had slit his throat.

The synagogue in Derbent was also set on fire. According to RIA Novosti, firefighters were withdrawn because there were fears that attackers might still be in the building and gunshots could still be heard near the building.

The attack on police officers in Derbent was captured on video and shared on social media. The clip features loud gunfire and several police cars parked further down the street as police officers retaliated against the attackers.

According to witnesses, gunfire could still be heard in the center of Derbent. Local police officers were reportedly still involved in a fight with the attackers near the Orthodox church.

Local Muslim leaders have condemned the attacks. The head of the North Caucasus Muslim Coordination Council called the attackers “brutal and hateful beasts,” while the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, called the attacks a “villainous provocation” aimed at sowing discord between religions.

Source: IANS