Terrorists in the North Caucasus Russian republic of Dagestan attacked two churches and security forces in two cities, killing at least six police and murdering one Orthodox priest. The targets struck by the terrorists were a synagogue, two churches, and a police checkpoint in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala. 

A 66-year-old Orthodox priest in Derbent had his throat cut inside his church. The attacks seem to be still underway. At least six regime police officers were killed at a checkpoint, and a dozen other police have been reported wounded.

At this juncture, we don't know who the attackers are, but as Christians and Jews were targeted in addition to Putin regime forces, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to fill in the gap. 

Dagestan has been the scene of Islamic State-inspired insurgency and is currently the target of a Russian anti-terrorism offensive in the aftermath of the Crocus Concert Hall massacre in March 2024

BACKGROUND:

NEW: ISIS Claims Responsibility for Moscow Attack in Surprise Twist, Skepticism Follows – RedState

Despite ISIS Claim of Responsibility, Russia Blames Ukraine for Concert Hall Attack – RedState

Putin Is Left With Egg on His Face After ISIS Provides Evidence It Carried Out the Moscow Attack – RedState

US Embassy Warned Russia of Terrorist Attack and Putin Ignored It – RedState

(UPDATED): Terror Attack in Moscow Concert Hall - Multiple Fatalities Reported – RedState

Could Russia Have Averted the Moscow Concert Hall Attack? – RedState

Synagogue in Derbent on fire:

BREAKING:

A synagogue is on fire in Dagestan, Russia after an Islamist terror attack.

At least 6 people k*lled pic.twitter.com/9HA8RmIVAx

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 23, 2024

Gunmen in action:

BREAKING:

Coordinated Islamist terror attacks in Dagestan, Russia.

Bearded gunmen dressed in black have attacked a synagogue and a church.

At least 6 people k*lled pic.twitter.com/iE6chKbBfh

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 23, 2024

Archpriest Nikolai (Kotelnikov) was killed in Derbent during an attack on Orthodox Church.

The priest served in Derbent for more than 40 years. He taught at a local Sunday school. Father Nikolai moved to Dagestan from Stavropol. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and 6… pic.twitter.com/vT2ucTvBoi

— Olia (@OliaOnX) June 23, 2024

Dead gunmen:

Two of the terrorists eliminated.

Orthodox priest and many officers killed in the attack in Dagestan. https://t.co/lDf9q3Qays pic.twitter.com/cIckqT7kc3

— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) June 23, 2024

According to Agence France-Presse, Russia's Investigative Committee launched an investigation over "acts of terror," AFP news agency reported.

Dagestan is a predominantly Muslim republic. It is also one of the poorest parts of Russia, and it provides a large number of recruits for the Russian army.

This is a breaking story. RedState will provide updates as they become available.