Rising Tensions and Renewed Violence in Dagestan
Gunmen killed an Orthodox priest and at least 15 police officers in Russia’s restive Dagestan region. Authorities declared 26 days of mourning, with flags at half-staff and all entertainment events canceled. The attacks, including on a synagogue and a church in Derbent, marked a resurgence of violence in a region previously hit by an Islamist insurgency. Russian security forces closed exits from Makhachkala and suspect militants may attempt to flee. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West and Ukraine of inciting unrest.
