Dim Amor

According to official reports, approximately 15 people were killed and 44 injured in a series of attacks targeting synagogues, churches, and police stations.

In the Russian republic, two synagogues were simultaneously attacked – in Makhachkala and Derbent. The synagogue in Derbent was completely burned down. In Dagestan (a Russian republic) on Sunday, June 23, a series of attacks were carried out in two cities. In Derbent, terrorists opened fire with automatic weapons on a synagogue. Grenades were thrown at the synagogue, resulting in a fire. The synagogue was completely destroyed. Another fire broke out at the synagogue in Makhachkala (the capital of Dagestan). The causes of this fire are yet to be determined. It should be noted that the synagogue is located near a police station that was also attacked by gunfire. Additionally, social media users noticed that someone had written the numbers 2:120 on the doors of the Makhachkala synagogue, speculating that this might be a reference to the second surah of the Quran, verse 120.

Russian sources attribute the attack to an "international terrorist organization", in what appears to be a clear allusion to ISIS. The gunmen, whose exact number is still unknown, simultaneously attacked two synagogues and two churches in the area, leaving destruction and devastation in their wake. Additionally, a police station was fired upon, indicating prior planning and the complexity of the operation. Among the casualties, according to reports, are "more than 15 police officers", along with an unknown number of civilians. Russian security forces responded swiftly and, according to reports, managed to eliminate six of the terrorists. However, the damage had already been done, and the disturbing images from the attack sites attest to the scale of the disaster.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in a local church, where 66-year-old priest Nikolai Kotelnikov was brutally murdered. According to witnesses, "the priest's throat was slit", an act indicating the extreme violence employed during the attack. Simultaneously, it was reported that one of the attacked synagogues caught fire, although at this stage there are no known casualties among the local Jewish community.

These grave events raise pointed questions about President Vladimir Putin's policies and Russia's approach to Islamic terrorism. Critics argue that this is a direct result of the "turning a blind eye" policy adopted over the years. They recall previous incidents, such as the pogrom at the airport and the attack on a plane arriving from Tel Aviv, which they claim did not receive an adequate response from the government. Moreover, Russia's complex relationships with organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, along with its ties to various Afghan elements, draw additional criticism. The claim is that this policy, combined with the acceptance of Palestinian refugees, has created an atmosphere that allows extremists to operate more easily on Russian soil.

Experts also point to the Putin government's disregard for the phenomenon of Dagestan residents joining ISIS ranks in recent years. They argue that the failure to take decisive action against this trend ultimately led to the current violent outbreak, including pogroms, synagogue burnings, and acts of antisemitism.

While the Kremlin has yet to officially respond to these claims, it is clear that the events in Dagestan represent a significant turning point in Russia's fight against terrorism. The central question now is how Putin's government will respond to this new-old challenge and what steps it will take to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the residents of Dagestan and the entire region are trying to recover from the severe trauma. Russian security forces have increased their presence in the area and are conducting extensive searches in an attempt to locate additional suspects or active terrorist cells. Both Jewish and Christian religious communities are gathering for mourning and solidarity ceremonies, calling for unity and the rejection of violence.

The world is anxiously watching the developments in Russia, with questions arising about the potential implications of the event on international relations and the global fight against terrorism. It is clear to all that the events in Dagestan serve as a severe warning sign, necessitating a rethinking and formulation of a more effective strategy in the war against extremism and violence.

Two sons of the head of the Sergokalinsky district in Dagestan, Magomed Omarov, participated in the attack on Makhachkala on June 23.

Security forces have identified three terrorists who were eliminated in Dagestan, according to law enforcement sources in Dagestan. They were identified as two sons and a nephew of Omarov. The district head himself has been arrested, and searches are being conducted at his home.

There is strong suspicion that Magomed Omarov's sons and nephew, apparently supported by the government, carried out attacks in the Dagestan region.

While Putin continues his "de-Nazification" operation in Ukraine, alarming signs of rising Nazism are emerging within Russia itself. Experts warn that the Kremlin is turning a blind eye to local neo-Nazi activity while accusing Ukraine of "Nazism". This development raises pointed questions about the integrity and consistency of Moscow's domestic and foreign policies.

Response from the Israeli Foreign Minister:

"A combined shooting incident occurred near the central Caucasus synagogue in Makhachkala and at a church in the city of Derbent. In Makhachkala, gunmen shot at two non-Jewish guards of the synagogue and a police car, and set fire to the synagogue hall. There were no worshippers in the building at the time of the incident.

So far, there are no known Jewish or Israeli casualties.

Further details will be provided as they become available".