Russia: Response to armed attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala, Dagestan, continuing as of early June 24 /update 4

As of early June 24, security forces are continuing their response to two armed attacks that took place in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala in Dagestan. Although authorities have indicated that the "active phase" of the anti-terror operations has ended, the search to apprehend all remaining suspects is continuing. At least 10 individuals were reportedly killed and 24 wounded in the attacks and subsequent exchanges of gunfire.

The attack in Derbent began at about 18:00 June 23 when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons on the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tserkov Pokrova Presvyatoy Bogoroditsy) on Lenin Street. A similar attack also targeted an unspecified synagogue in the city, resulting in the structure catching fire; responders later extinguished the blaze.

In Makhachkala, unidentified gunmen targeted a traffic police post located on Yermoshkin Street, as well as an unspecified church. Worshippers initially barricaded themselves inside the church but were later released by law enforcement officers when shooting in the area subsided. Suspects and police subsequently exchanged gunfire in the area near Magomed Gazhiev, Mirzabekov, and Ordzhonikidze streets. Local officials have instructed the public to avoid these three thoroughfares, as well as Buynaksk, Magomedtagirov, and Popovich streets, along with the area around the city's railway station, due to ongoing police operations.

At least two suspects have reportedly been arrested and four killed in Makhachkala, with two suspects having been killed in Derbent. Nevertheless, the total number of attackers remains unknown. Authorities are reportedly restricting entry to and exit from Derbent, blocking exit from Makhachkala, and conducting extensive security checks as part of their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects; such extremely tight security is likely in both cities over the coming days, potentially extending to surrounding areas of Dagestan, until officials complete their investigation and determine that no further attacks are imminent.