Coordinated Attacks in Dagestan Claim Lives Amid Orthodox Festival

Via Syndicated Feed

Cover Image Attribute: The damaged Kele-Numaz synagogue in Derbent seen after a counter-terrorist operation in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia / Dated: June 24, 2024 / Source: The Official Telegram Channel of the Head of Dagestan Republic.

 At least 15 police officers and four civilians have tragically lost their lives in simultaneous attacks across two cities in Russia's Dagestan region, occurring during the Orthodox Festival of Pentecost. The assaults, characterized by intense gunfights, targeted a synagogue, orthodox churches, and a police traffic post in  Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan. Eyewitness footage captured armed militants engaging in deadly clashes with police forces, resulting in significant casualties among law enforcement.
In a deeply concerning escalation, militants also set ablaze an Orthodox church and launched attacks in Derbent, located approximately 120 kilometers away. These incidents claimed additional lives, including that of a priest at an Orthodox Church and the destruction of a synagogue. While no known terror group has claimed responsibility for these acts of violence, Dagestan has historically been a target for Islamic militant activities. 
However, per the latest TASS reports, some assailants have been identified and seem to have originated from the Sergokalinsky district, located between Derbent and Makhachkala, and had connections to the district’s leader - Magomed Omarov. According to the same report, former MMA fighter Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a cousin of district head Magomed Omarov, was among those implicated in the attack in Derbent. Additionally, relatives of Omarov, including his son and nephew, were reported to have participated in the attacks, as detailed by TASS.
Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, informed the media on Monday that Omarov had been removed from his position and expelled from the United Russia Party, a major political organization in Russia. Although Melikov did not detail the involvement of Omarov’s relatives in the attacks, he highlighted that investigative authorities would establish their culpability. He assured that he would face legal consequences if Omarov's direct involvement was confirmed.

Olivier Roy, a political scientist specializing in political Islam and Central Asia, highlighted the significance of these attacks, noting their targeting of religious institutions and the implications for local governance. He underscored that such violence underscores ongoing challenges in regions historically marked by unrest and radicalization.
Roy also raised concerns about Russia's control over regions like Dagestan, where past insurgencies have posed significant challenges. He suggested that despite previous declarations of victory over rebellions, the recent attacks signal persistent security threats and potential penetrations within state apparatuses.
Regarding possible responses, Roy anticipated familiar narratives from the Kremlin, potentially deflecting blame onto external forces. He dismissed claims implicating Ukraine, citing their support for Israel and lack of motive in targeting Russian civilians. Roa emphasized the internal nature of the radicalization issue, reflecting broader discontent and failures in governance.
The attacks, which also included anti-Semitic actions, highlight a disturbing trend of religious intolerance and violence. They signal a broader agenda to destabilize societal harmony and challenge governmental authority in Dagestan. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of ongoing security challenges and the complexities surrounding religious and ethnic tensions in the region.
IndraStra Global Staff has not edited this story, which is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.

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