The incidents which transpired on Sunday in the southern Russian district of Dagestan have led to an increased death count, reaching 19 individuals as per the statement of Russia’s investigative committee on Monday. During these attacks, five perpetrators also lost their lives.
Following a series of assaults on police, an Orthodox priest and additional victims in synagogues and churches across two cities in the North Caucasus district, a three-day mourning period was initiated on Monday. “This event marks a day of sorrow for both Dagestan and the entirety of our country,” Governor Sergei Melikov of the Dagestan region stated in a video broadcast early Monday on the Telegram platform.
Although Melikov mentioned the victimisation of over 15 law enforcement officers throughout what he identified as a “terrorist strike”, the exact casualties in terms of deaths and injuries were not detailed. The Interfax agency in Russia, however, disclosed that at least 15 police officers lost their lives in the incident.
These assaults took place a mere three months after the brutal slaying of 145 individuals at a concert venue close to Moscow – an episode alleged to be the most extreme in several years, with its origins purported to be the Islamic State.
As of yet, no groups have come forward claiming responsibility for the attacks in the unstable North Caucasus district. “We have ascertained the driving force behind the coordination of these terrorist attacks and their subsequent objectives,” stated Melikov, without divulging any specific details. He confirmed that efforts would continue in identifying and apprehending the assailants involved.
Reports from state media sources claim that amongst the attackers are two sons of the central Dagestan’s Sergokala district chief, who are currently in custody undergoing investigation.
Several casualties from the incident were civilians, one of whom was an Orthodox priest with substantial work history in Derbent, spanning over 40 years. Nikolai Kotelnikov, a spokesman described, was “savagely executed.”
According to Melikov, six assailants were fatally shot during the course of the occurrences. Nevertheless, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee, as cited by Russian state news outlets, claimed that five assailants were killed.
The inability of Reuters to individually confirm the reports regarding the number of individuals or assailants deceased during the assaults has been noted.
Melikov designated the dates ranging from June 24th-26th as national days of mourning in Dagestan – during which flags will be lowered to half-mast and all recreational events will be postponed.