Gunfire and Arson Strike Russian Synagogues, Churches, and Police Post

A series of attacks in Dagestan, a North Caucasus region of Russia, has left multiple people dead and injured. Gunmen opened fire on two synagogues, two Orthodox churches, and a police post, igniting fires and sparking shootouts with police.

On Sunday, violence erupted in Dagestan, Russia, as gunmen attacked multiple religious institutions and a police post. The attacks, which included gunfire and arson, have resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians and police officers. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has launched a terrorism investigation into the incident.

Gunfire and Arson Strike Russian Synagogues, Churches, and Police Post

The attacks targeted two synagogues in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala. In Derbent, the synagogue was set ablaze, burning it to the ground and killing local guards. The synagogue in Makhachkala was subjected to gunfire, but no further details are available at this time.

Two Orthodox churches were also attacked. In Derbent, a 66-year-old priest was found murdered with his throat slashed. Gunfire was exchanged at an Orthodox church in Makhachkala, which is also a UNESCO heritage site.

Gunfire and Arson Strike Russian Synagogues, Churches, and Police Post

Another shootout occurred at a police post in the city of Makhachkala. One police officer was reportedly killed during the attack, which involved gunfire.

Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan appointed by Vladimir Putin, stated that "unknown persons" were attempting to "destabilize the social situation" in Derbent and Makhachkala. The attacks are currently under investigation, and no specific group has claimed responsibility.

Gunfire and Arson Strike Russian Synagogues, Churches, and Police Post

The attacks come amid growing concern about the rise of Islamic militants in the region, particularly the ISIS-K group. FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously warned of a heightened terror threat following the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the combined attack and expressed concern for the Jewish community in Dagestan. The Israeli embassy in Moscow has contacted community leaders for updates.

Gunfire and Arson Strike Russian Synagogues, Churches, and Police Post

Simultaneous to the attacks in Russia, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to mark the construction of a new structure at the site of the Tree of Life synagogue. Eleven Jewish worshippers were murdered in a mass shooting at the synagogue in 2018.

Douglas Emhoff, the second gentleman of the United States, attended the groundbreaking ceremony and emphasized the importance of remembering the horrors of antisemitism. He stated that the new structure sends a message of unity and resilience.

Gunfire and Arson Strike Russian Synagogues, Churches, and Police Post

The attacks in Dagestan remain under investigation, and further updates are expected. Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.