In a written statement, the Russian Interior Ministry said unidentified gunmen attacked the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent at around 18:00 GMT today.
The statement included information that the attackers had attacked a police station in Makhachkala, two churches and a synagogue in Derbent. It said a priest was also killed and that armed clashes between security forces and the attackers were continuing.
Nine people were killed, seven of them police.
A statement from the Dagestan Mufti’s Office said nine people, including seven police officers, were killed and 25 were wounded in the attack.
Four of the attackers were neutralised.
While efforts to capture the attackers continue, Dagestan Interior Ministry spokeswoman Gayana Galieva said four attackers had been neutralised, saying: “Law enforcement forces have so far neutralised four attackers in Makhachkala.” Clashes between security forces and attackers continue in the region.
Police vehicle catches fire
Unidentified assailants opened fire on a police vehicle in the center of the village of Sergokala, Dagestan. One police officer was wounded in the attack. The assailants fled the area in a car.
The spate of attacks in Dagestan prompted extensive security measures in the region. The Russian Interior Ministry said it had stepped up security efforts in Ingushetia, Chechnya and Kabardino-Balkaria. Russia’s Investigative Committee said its investigation into the attacks was continuing and it was working to identify individuals believed to be linked to them.
