The North Caucasian Russian republic of Dagestan announced a devastating toll after a terrorist assault this Sunday, reporting more than fifteen police officers killed along with multiple civilians, including a Orthodox priest. Authorities described the attack as a grave strike against public safety in the region, which is home to a majority Muslim population. The incident has prompted a nationwide moment of mourning and a rapid wave of security assessments across the republic.
In statements made through official channels, the Dagestani governor, Sergei Melikov, emphasized that the police officers were defending peace and stability in Dagestan when the attackers opened fire. The governor described the casualties as heavy and underscored the commitment of law enforcement to protect residents, noting that the security forces fought back with determination to prevent further harm. The governor’s remarks were circulated via his official Telegram channel as part of the ongoing public briefing surrounding the attack.
Security forces reported that six of the assailants were neutralized in the course of the assault, which targeted two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police outpost in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala, the Dagestani capital. The swift response by responders was aimed at containing the elevated threat level and stabilizing the affected urban centers. Official summaries indicate that the operation culminated in the defeat of the attackers and a reduced danger to nearby residents, though the incident left a lasting mark on the communities involved.
The aftermath prompted a formal decree of three days of mourning across Dagestan, extending through Wednesday, with authorities promising financial support to the families of those who lost their lives. The state’s response mirrors a broader pattern seen in Russia after significant terror events, combining public mourning, material assistance for victims, and a reassessment of security measures across vulnerable locales.
Meanwhile, the National Anti-Terror Committee (NATC) announced that it had ended the antiterrorist operation regime in Derbent and Makhachkala, where certain civil liberties had been restricted as part of law enforcement efforts. The NATC explained that given the removal of active threats to life and health, it was appropriate to lift the special operation status. The decision was conveyed in a formal statement, emphasizing that routine security protocols would now guide ongoing surveillance and precautionary measures in these cities. Analysts note that while the immediate threat has subsided, the incident is likely to influence future security postures, including heightened checks, community engagement initiatives, and continued police visibility in public spaces. [Attribution: National Anti-Terror Committee]