Gunmen Attack Synagogue and Church, Killing Priest and Policeman
At Least a Dozen Police Officers Wounded in Coordinated Attacks
In a series of seemingly coordinated attacks, gunmen armed with automatic weapons have killed at least a dozen police officers and a priest in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, according to local law enforcement and state news agencies. The attacks targeted a synagogue and a church on Sunday, sending shockwaves through the region.
Synagogue Attack
In Derbent, a city in southern Dagestan, gunmen stormed a synagogue during morning services, killing a priest and wounding seven police officers. Derbent is home to an ancient Jewish community in the South Caucasus and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The attack has left the Jewish community in mourning and sparked fears of further violence.
Church Attack
A second attack took place in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, where gunmen opened fire on a church, killing one police officer and wounding five others. The attack occurred just 125 kilometers (78 miles) away from the synagogue attack, raising suspicions of a coordinated plan.
Ongoing Investigation
Security officials are investigating the attacks and pursuing the perpetrators. No group has claimed responsibility for the violence, but authorities are considering the possibility of terrorist involvement. The attacks have heightened tensions in the region, where security forces have been battling Islamist militants for years.
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