Over 15 police officers and numerous civilians, including an Orthodox clergyman, were killed following gunmen attacks on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post in Russia's Dagestan region, according to authorities.

The assaults, carried out on Sunday evening in Derbent and Makhachkala, resulted in at least 12 injuries.

Both religious sites—an ancient synagogue and a church—are located in Derbent, known for its long-standing Jewish presence in the predominantly Muslim North Caucasus, one of Russia's poorest areas. The police post attack happened in Makhachkala, Dagestan's capital, situated about 125km (78 miles) away.

Ongoing Investigations

Local officials informed Reuters that the synagogue in Derbent was set ablaze during the attack, and eyewitnesses reported smoke rising from the church. Sergei Melikov, the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, stated that six assailants had been "neutralized."

Russian agency TASS quoted law enforcement sources saying the attackers belonged to "an international terrorist organization." The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown as they were seen fleeing in a vehicle.

Melikov revealed, "Unidentified individuals attempted to disrupt public order in Derbent and Makhachkala tonight. Preliminary information suggests casualties among police officers. All services are acting accordingly to the instructions… The attackers' identities are being confirmed."

International Reactions

Israel's foreign ministry reported that the Derbent synagogue had been completely destroyed and that shots were fired at a second synagogue in Makhachkala. Fortunately, it is believed no worshippers were present at the time.

The attacks follow a tragic event three months ago when 133 people died in a gunman assault at a rock concert near Moscow. ISIL (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the concert attack, although Russia alleged, without evidence, that Ukraine might have been involved.

Historical Context

Reporting from Moscow for Al Jazeera, Daniel Hawkins highlighted that Dagestan experienced separatist violence during the 1990s and early 2000s. "Violence has subsided over the years," Hawkins noted, emphasizing that Dagestan did not endure the intense conflicts seen in neighboring Chechnya, where Russian forces fought two brutal wars during the same period.

Hawkins added, "A coordinated attack targeting civilian religious infrastructure is highly unusual and will certainly shock Russians nationwide."

Last October, hundreds stormed Makhachkala's airport over the arrival of a flight from Israel. At least 60 people were detained after breaking through security and surrounding the aircraft while shouting anti-Jewish slogans.