ua en ru

Attacks in Dagestan: Fighting in midst of Derbent and Makhachkala, military equipment spotted

Attacks in Dagestan: Fighting in midst of Derbent and Makhachkala, military equipment spotted Unidentified gunmen carried out attacks in Dagestan on June 23 (photo: Getty Images)

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 23, unknown persons staged a series of attacks in two cities in Dagestan. Military equipment was spotted there, and fighting continues, according to Russian media.

Attack in Derbent

Initially, the media reported a shooting, an attack on a synagogue, and an Orthodox church. As a result, an Orthodox priest was killed.

As of 21:20, Kyiv time, it is reported that military vehicles were seen on the streets of the city. The entrance to the city is blocked, and an operation to eliminate the militants is underway. The security forces are storming a residential building where two militants barricaded themselves.

According to preliminary reports, six policemen were killed in the attack and 12 others were wounded.

Attack in Makhachkala

Another attack took place in the capital of Dagestan, Makhachkala. As of 21:20, Kyiv time, it was reported that law enforcement officers and militants were engaged in a clash near a church, where 40 hostages were allegedly held.

Later, the information about the hostages was denied. Russian media also claimed that three of the attackers had been eliminated.

Background

Today, June 23, a number of Russian media outlets reported that unknown persons had carried out attacks in several cities in Dagestan. In addition, there were reports of shooting on the border between Dagestan and Abkhazia.