2024 Dagestan attacks

2024 Dagestan attacks
Part of Islamic State insurgency in the North Caucasus, terrorism in Russia and Islamic terrorism in Europe
The Kele-Numaz Synagogue in Derbent, which was almost completely destroyed by fire as a result of the attacks
LocationDerbent, Sergokala and Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
Date23 June 2024
c. 18:00–23:00 (MSK)
TargetTwo churches, two synagogues, and a road police post
Attack type
WeaponsAutomatic weapons and Molotov cocktails
Deaths27 (including 5 perpetrators)
Injured45
Perpetrators Islamic State-inspired
No. of participants
At least 5
MotiveIslamic extremism

On 23 June 2024, coordinated attacks were launched in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala in the Russian republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. Two synagogues, two Eastern Orthodox churches, and a traffic police post were attacked simultaneously with automatic weapons and Molotov cocktails. It was reported that 17 police officers and five civilians were killed along with all five attackers. The fatalities included a priest, Nikolay Kotelnikov. The Kele-Numaz Synagogue was nearly completely destroyed by fire in the attack.

Russian authorities designated the attack as an act of terrorism. Russian media reported that five of the perpetrators were identified by authorities, including one son and two nephews of Magomed Omarov, the head of Dagestan's Sergokalinsky District. Omarov later submitted a resignation letter and was detained for questioning. One of the attackers was a former president of the Sergokala section of the A Just Russia – For Truth Party.

Russian president Vladimir Putin offered condolences to the victims of the attacks. The government of Dagestan declared a three-day national mourning period from 24 to 26 June for those killed in the attacks.