Counter-terror operation launched in Dagestan after 19 killed in attacks
- Islamic militants launched coordinated assaults in Dagestan, resulting in the death of 19 people.
- The region is observing three days of mourning for the victims, mostly police officers.
- Russian authorities have initiated a counter-terror operation to address the threat posed by the gunmen.
In a tragic turn of events, Russia's southern region of Dagestan is reeling from a violent rampage orchestrated by Islamic militants that resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, predominantly police officers. The attacks, which took place in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, were described as coordinated assaults on houses of worship and law enforcement. This incident marks the deadliest attack in Russia since March, when a concert in suburban Moscow was targeted, claiming the lives of 145 people. The Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the March attack and swiftly praised the violence in Dagestan, attributing it to their counterparts in the Caucasus. Speculations point towards the Islamic State group's North Caucasus branch, Vilayat Kavkaz, as the likely orchestrator of the assault, characterized as complex and coordinated. Despite attempts to shift blame to Ukraine, the violence in Dagestan underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist elements in the region. The aftermath of the attacks saw a swift response from security forces, resulting in the neutralization of the perpetrators, including the sons and nephew of a prominent regional official. The violence in Dagestan serves as a grim reminder of the persistent extremist sentiments in the area, despite a relative decrease in attacks in recent years. The incident has prompted a declaration of three days of mourning, as the community mourns the loss of lives, including police officers and a revered religious figure. As investigations continue and authorities work to address the security challenges posed by terrorism, questions linger about the disconnect between Russian counterterrorism capabilities and the evolving tactics of terrorist groups operating within the country. The violence in Dagestan serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremism and the need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and security of the region's residents.