Russian official cites Islamic 'sleeper cells' as death toll in attacks on synagogues, churches climbs to 20
Fox News
At least 20 people were killed Sunday when gunmen attacked synagogues and churches in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent in Russia's region of Dagestan.
Dagestan Gov. Sergei Melikov, selected by Russian President Vladimir Putin to lead the region, blamed members of Islamic "sleeper cells" directed from abroad, but did not give any other details. He said in a video statement that the assailants' goal was "sowing panic and fear," and attempted to link the attack to Moscow’s military action in Ukraine – but also provided no evidence. A damaged Star of David is seen on the wall of the Kele-Numaz synagogue in Derbent. (The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP) The head of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, center, visits the damaged Kele-Numaz synagogue in Derbent after a counterterrorist operation in Dagestan, Russia. (The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP) A view of the damaged Kele-Numaz synagogue in Derbent after a counterterrorist operation in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. (The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP) FSB officers conduct a counterterrorist operation in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. (The National Antiterrorism Committee via AP) Smoke rises following an attack at a synagogue in Derbent in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Golos Dagestana via AP) Multiple police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern Republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov, said in a video statement. (The National Antiterrorism Committee via AP) Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on Twitter: @danimwallace.
Putin had sought to blame the March attack on Ukraine, again without evidence and despite the claim of responsibility by the Islamic State affiliate. Kyiv has vehemently denied any involvement.
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