Dagestan Attacks: Coordinated Assaults on Religious Sites and Police
On the evening of June 23, 2024, a series of coordinated violent attacks struck the Republic of Dagestan. The assaults targeted religious institutions and law enforcement across three different locations: the city of Derbent, the capital city of Makhachkala, and the village of Sergokala. These attacks occurred during Pentecost Sunday, one of the most significant holidays in the Eastern Orthodox calendar.
Violence in Derbent
Shortly before 18:00 local time, attackers armed with rifles, automatic weapons, and Molotov cocktails—petrol bombs used for arson—launched an assault on the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin on Lenin Street. The attackers entered the premises shortly after the Sunday evening service had concluded.
The attack resulted in the death of the church's security guard, who was armed only with a non-lethal gas pistol. The attackers also killed Father Nikolay Kotelnikov, a 66-year-old archpriest who had served the congregation for over four decades. While initial reports suggested his throat had been slit, his son-in-law later clarified that the priest had been shot before being stabbed. During the assault, the attackers set an icon ablaze and started a fire within the church. Nineteen people managed to seek shelter inside the building before they were eventually rescued; other clergy members escaped by locking themselves in safe areas.
Simultaneously, the attackers targeted the Derbent Kele-Numaz Synagogue, an institution established in 1914. The synagogue was fired upon with automatic weapons and set on fire. Footage shared on Telegram showed police cars being shot at and the synagogue being almost completely destroyed by the flames. The perpetrators fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Polo.
Assaults in Makhachkala
Almost simultaneously, attacks were launched in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, located approximately 75 miles (125 kilometers) from Derbent. Militants targeted a synagogue on Ermoshkina Street, starting a fire that was later extinguished with no reported victims. The Cathedral of the Assumption, another Russian Orthodox church, was also attacked.
Beyond religious targets, unknown militants in black clothing targeted law enforcement. They fired machine guns at passing police cars and forced drivers out of their vehicles. At approximately 19:00 local time, the Ministry of Internal Affairs released footage showing militants firing at police officers on Magomedgadzhiev Street, with several faces visible in the recording.
Incident in Sergokala
The violence extended to the village of Sergokala, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police car in the central square. This attack occurred as police arrived to detain Magomed Omarov, the head of the Sergokalinsky District. Omarov's nephew and two sons were reportedly participants in the terrorist attacks in Makhachkala. One police officer was wounded during the encounter.
Key Facts
- Date: June 23, 2024.
- Primary Targets: Orthodox churches, synagogues, and police posts.
- Casualties: Father Nikolay Kotelnikov (archpriest) and a security guard killed in Derbent; one police officer wounded in Sergokala.
- Locations: Derbent, Makhachkala, and Sergokala.
- Timing: Coincided with Pentecost Sunday.
| Location | Targets | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Derbent | Church of the Intercession; Kele-Numaz Synagogue | Two deaths; synagogue nearly destroyed; church fire. |
| Makhachkala | Cathedral of the Assumption; Ermoshkina St. Synagogue; Police posts | Synagogue fire (extinguished); attacks on police vehicles. |
| Sergokala | Police vehicle | One police officer wounded. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Father Nikolay Kotelnikov?
Father Nikolay Kotelnikov was a 66-year-old archpriest who had served at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Derbent for more than 40 years. He was killed during the attack on June 23, 2024.
Which religious sites were targeted in Derbent?
The attackers targeted the Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin and the Kele-Numaz Synagogue, which was founded in 1914.
What happened in Makhachkala during the attacks?
In Makhachkala, militants attacked the Cathedral of the Assumption and a synagogue on Ermoshkina Street. They also engaged in gun battles with police, firing machine guns at police cars on Magomedgadzhiev Street.
Why did the attack in Sergokala occur?
Gunmen opened fire on police in Sergokala as officers attempted to detain Magomed Omarov, the head of the Sergokalinsky District, whose sons and nephew were allegedly involved in the Makhachkala attacks.
What weapons were used by the attackers?
The attackers utilized rifles, automatic weapons, machine guns, and Molotov cocktails.