A series of attacks on a Christian church and two Jewish synagogues in Russia’s Dagestan province has resulted in the deaths of at least three people, according to Russian state media. The attacks occurred in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent.
In Derbent, assailants opened fire on the church and a synagogue with automatic weapons around 6 pm, according to The Moscow Times. The attackers subsequently set the buildings ablaze. The Moscow Times reported that Father Nikolai, a 66-year-old priest at the attacked church, was killed after being stabbed.
In Makhachkala, a separate synagogue was also set on fire after an exchange of gunfire with police.
The state-run RT news agency reported that two police officers and a civilian were killed in the attacks. The Moscow Times, however, stated that one of the victims was a security guard, not a police officer.
Following the attacks, Russian authorities have classified the incidents as acts of terror. “All the circumstances of the incident and the persons involved in the terrorist attacks are being established, and their actions will be given a legal assessment,” said Russia’s investigation directorate, as quoted by CNN.
Visuals shared by RT showed smoke billowing from a building and gunshots could be heard in the background.
The Russian authorities are currently investigating the attacks and identifying those responsible.
