On June 23, 2024, the normally peaceful predominantly Muslim cities of Derbent and Makhachkala in Russia’s Dagestan region were shaken by a series of coordinated attacks. Armed Islamic militants targeted a synagogue, two Orthodox churches, and police posts, leading to at least 21 deaths, including 16 police officers and an Orthodox priest.
The violence began in Derbent, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity. Gunmen attacked the Kele-Numaz synagogue, setting it ablaze. This synagogue holds significant cultural and historical value. Witnesses reported that the attackers also targeted two nearby Orthodox churches, resulting in the death of a police officer and a priest, Nikolai Kotelnikov, 66, who had served the community for over 40 years. Videos circulating on social media captured the intense gunfire and chaos as law enforcement responded to the unfolding crisis.
In Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, gunmen opened fire on a police post. This attack resulted in the death of another police officer and injuries to several others. The assailants in Makhachkala also attacked an Orthodox church, trying to set fire to its main icon and opening fire on the congregation.
The Russian Investigative Committee reported that all five attackers were killed during the assaults.
Governor Sergei Melikov addressed the nation, expressing profound sorrow and declaring three days of mourning. Flags were flown at half-staff, and all entertainment events were canceled. “This is a day of tragedy for Dagestan and the whole country. We understand who is behind the organization of the terrorist attacks and what goal they pursued,” Melikov stated, although he did not provide further details.
Authorities have identified some of the attackers as the sons of Magomed Omarov, a local district head. Russian media reports suggest that these individuals were part of a broader terrorist network. The Russian National Anti-Terrorist Committee has launched an investigation, classifying the incidents as acts of terrorism.
The attacks in Dagestan are the latest in a series of violent incidents in Russia, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s security measures. In March 2024, an attack at a concert hall near Moscow, claimed by the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province, resulted in 145 deaths. These events have sparked fears that Russia’s security agencies might be overstretched, especially with ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
Dagestan, a region with a complex history of ethnic and religious diversity, has experienced periods of unrest and insurgency in the past. In the early 2000s, the area was plagued by Islamist insurgent activities spilling over from neighboring Chechnya. While the frequency of such attacks has diminished in recent years, the recent violence highlights the persistent threat of terrorism.
The international reaction has included condemnation from various quarters. Leaders from several countries and organizations have expressed their condolences and condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, condemned the attacks and conveyed his condolences as well.
The regional government has vowed to uncover any remaining terrorist cells and ensure the safety and security of its residents.