Days of mourning declared for 24, 25 and 26 June following terrorist attack in Dagestan

Photo: TASS/Gyanzhevi Gadzhibalayev

MAKHACHKALA, June 24 /TASS/. An anti-terrorist operation announced on June 23 in Dagestan over attacks on two churches and two synagogues has been cancelled. Civilian and police casualties have been reported.

TASS news agency has gathered the latest information about the terrorist attack.

Anti-terrorist operation mode

• An anti-terrorist operation has been completed in Makhachkala and Derbent, where gunmen attacked two Russian Orthodox churches, two synagogues and police officers, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAC) said.
• According to the NAC, two gunmen were eliminated in Derbent and three in Makhachkala. The search for accomplices is ongoing.
• Dagestan's head, Sergei Melikov, said six militants had been eliminated; authorities continue to uncover sleeper cells trained abroad.

Investigations

• Magomed Omarov, the head of Dagestan's Sergokalin district, was detained for his sons' involvement in the terrorist attack in Makhachkala and Derbent.
• Charges have been brought under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (terrorist attack).

Victims

• More than 15 police officers were killed in the attack, Melikov said.
• The regional chief specified that the victims were also among civilians, including Father Nikolai, who has been an Orthodox priest in Derbent for more than 40 years.
• Sixteen people, including 13 police officers, were hospitalised after the clash in Dagestan, the press service of the regional interior ministry said.

Consequences of the attacks

• The Russian Jewish Congress will participate in the restoration of synagogues, the organization's press service said.
• The Russian Ministry of Economic Development recommends that travel agencies and hotels allow tourists to reschedule their trips to Dagestan without sanctions.
• Passengers who want to cancel their train journeys to and from Derbent and Makhachkala will be able to get a refund within three days, the Russian Federal Passenger Transport Company said.

Official reaction

• In Dagestan, 24, 25 and 26 June were declared days of mourning.
• Families of those killed or injured in the terrorist attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala will receive financial assistance, the head of the region has assured.

Condolences from abroad

• Kyrgyz President Sadyr Dzhaparov, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed their condolences in connection with the terrorist attack in Dagestan.

TASS/gnews.cz-jav_07

https://tass.com/emergencies/1807369