Russia rattled by terror attack as gunmen target Churches, Synagogues; over 15 dead

Russia on June 23 was marred by a terror attack when unidentified gunmen opened fire at synagogues, churches and a police post in the country's Dagestan province, killing at least 15 policemen, a priest and several civilians, according to media reports.

At least 15 police and National Guard officers, several civilians and an orthodox priest were among the victims of the attack while several others were injured after the gunmen opened fire at a Christian church and two Jewish synagogues in Russia’s North Caucasus region of Dagestan province, the region's governor said.

Following the attacks, both the synagogues were set on fire. Videos and pictures circulating on social media showed the skies of Derbent filled with smoke and flames billowing heavily out of a series of windows.

The priest, who was killed was identified as Father Nikolay who worked in the church in Derbent for over 40 years. His throat was slit by armed men.

The attacks took place at two different places simultaneously which included Dagestan's largest city of Makhachkala and the coastal city of Derbent.

Governor Sergei Melikov has called it a "terrorist attack". "This evening in Derbent and Makhachkala unknown (attackers) made attempts to destabilise the situation in society," Melikov wrote on Telegram.

The Governor also said that June 24-26 have been declared days of mourning in Dagestan, with flags lowered to half-staff and all entertainment events canceled.

According to officials, police personnel had killed four gunmen in Makhachkala and two in Derbent.
The Russian authorities have initiated a "terror investigation" into the attacks under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

“All the circumstances of the incident and the persons involved in the terrorist attacks are being established, and their actions will be given a legal assessment,” Russia's National Anti-Terrorist Committee's investigative directorate said in a statement.