In Derbent, a city in Dagestan, the central districts remain without power as the conflict intensifies, and gunfire continues to echo through streets. Reports from TASS confirm the disruption of electricity in the heart of the city, a sign that the violence has not abated and that residents face ongoing risk and disruption to daily life. The situation is unfolding in real time, with security forces trying to secure critical locations while civilians seek shelter and any chance to move about safely is severely limited. This context underscores the fragile security situation in Derbent as authorities respond to multiple fronts of the crisis.
Officials describe an active phase of fighting in Derbent, with additional clashes reported in Makhachkala, the regional capital. Witnesses on Mirzabekov Street, near a church, report intermittent gunfire, illustrating how the violence has surged beyond a single neighborhood and threatens a broader portion of the region. The pattern of attacks appears to be organized and persistent, affecting civilian infrastructure and religious sites alike, which heightens concerns about the potential for further casualties and escalation. According to updates from the agency, shootings along major avenues and near community centers indicate that law enforcement is under pressure to contain spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Late on June 23, unidentified assailants opened fire using automatic weapons, striking both a synagogue and a church in Derbent. The Dagestan Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that six police officers were killed and twelve others injured in the assault. The authorities opened a criminal case under terrorism provisions and declared an anti-terrorism operation regime across the republic to coordinate security measures, deploy resources, and prevent further attacks. Local authorities urged residents to remain indoors during the operation and to follow official instructions to avoid danger zones. The broader aim appears to be to suppress threats and stabilize the region as investigators review evidence and trace the origin of the attack, with security agencies vowing to pursue those responsible.
Dagestan’s religious and community leaders have spoken out to condemn the violence and to call for restraint. The Mufti of Dagestan, Akhmad-Afandi Abdulaev, condemned the attacks as acts of bloodshed and warned that radicals may attempt to inflame sectarian tensions through violent means. He urged unity among communities and emphasized that violence only deepens mistrust and harms innocent people, stressing that peaceful coexistence must be protected and promoted. The mufti’s statements reflect a broader message from religious figures across the republic who have urged calm, denounced sectarian rhetoric, and called for investigators to pursue justice through lawful channels.
Responses from regional leadership have included remarks on the need for resilience and focused security cooperation. Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of neighboring Chechnya, commented on the events in Dagestan, underscoring the seriousness of the threat and the importance of maintaining public safety and regional stability. His remarks contribute to a broader narrative of regional authorities coordinating their efforts to deter violence and safeguard communities under strain from sporadic attacks and ongoing security operations.