Armed attack on synagogue and church in Russia: 20 dead, 46 injured

20 people were killed and 46 were injured in an attack on a synagogue, a church, and a police checkpoint in Russia's Dagestan.

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Tatyana Belyayeva, Minister of Health of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, reported that the death toll from the armed attacks carried out yesterday in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent has risen to 20.

20 DEAD, 46 INJURED

Belyayeva noted the following on her Telegram channel regarding the attacks yesterday in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, which targeted a police checkpoint, a synagogue, and two churches:

"As a result of the terrorist act carried out in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent on June 23, 46 people were injured. These include police officers and civilians. The condition of 7 of the injured is critical. The necessary medical interventions are being performed on the injured in hospitals. Unfortunately, 20 people lost their lives. These also include police and civilians."

4 OF THE ATTACKERS NEUTRALIZED

While efforts to capture the attackers continue, Dagestan Interior Ministry spokesperson Gayana Garieva announced that 4 attackers had been neutralized, stating, "Law enforcement agencies have neutralized 4 attackers in Makhachkala so far." Clashes between security forces and attackers continue in some parts of the region.

ATTACKERS PHOTOGRAPHED

Two attackers were captured in photos shared on social media.

POLICE VEHICLE FIRED UPON

In the center of the village of Sergokala in Dagestan, unidentified attackers opened fire on a police vehicle.

Following the consecutive attacks in Dagestan, extensive security measures were taken in the region. The Russian Interior Ministry announced that security measures have also been increased in Ingushetia, Chechnya, and Kabardino-Balkaria.

The Russian Investigative Committee announced that investigations into the attacks are ongoing and that efforts are underway to identify individuals suspected of having links to the attacks.

APPROXIMATELY 40 PEOPLE HELD HOSTAGE IN A CHURCH

In footage reflected on social media regarding the attack, which is alleged to have been carried out by the terrorist organization ISIS, it was claimed that 40 people were taken hostage by the terrorists in a church.

While it was reported that clashes between terrorists and Russian security forces continue in the region where the attack took place, heavy armored vehicles were seen patrolling the streets.

It was alleged that the attack was carried out following a call by the ISIS spokesperson in a recent audio recording for terrorists all over the world to attack Jews in revenge for Gaza, and that the terrorist organization ISIS would claim responsibility for the attack in the coming hours or days.

A fire broke out in the synagogue after the clash, and fire crews intervened in the blaze.

A team including regional officials and members of the investigative committee established a crisis center.

'WAR HAS COME TO OUR HOME'

The Russian Investigative Committee sent experts to the region, and it was stated that work has been initiated in the area to identify and capture the attackers.

Sergey Melikov, Head of the Republic of Dagestan, made statements on his Telegram channel regarding the attacks in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, which targeted a police checkpoint, a synagogue, and two churches.

Noting that this was a "terrorist attack," Melikov said, "We know who is behind this and what the organizers of these attacks are aiming for. War has come to our home."

A synagogue and a church were subjected to an armed attack in the Russian city of Derbent. The synagogue was set on fire by unidentified attackers. pic.twitter.com/vB8ePN0zqa
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