Russia's Dagestan mourns priest, police killed in attack by gunmen
SUMMARY
Russia's Dagestan has plunged into mourning for three days following deadly attacks by gunmen on synagogues, churches, and police posts across Makhachkala and Derbent. Governor Sergei Melikov described it as a national tragedy, with conflicting reports on casualties. While he confirmed over 15 police officers were "victims" of what he termed a terrorist attack, details on the exact toll varied. Russian media cited at least 15 police fatalities. Melikov vowed to pursue the attackers, hinting at their identities without specifics. Notably, two attackers, sons of a local district head, were apprehended. The violence claimed civilian lives, including Orthodox priest Nikolai Kotelnikov, sparking widespread grief and condemnation.
