The members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly act of terrorism” that occurred in Dagestan on June 23. On 23rd of June, terrorists carried out attacks on two Orthodox churches, two synagogues and traffic police officers in Derbent and Makhachkala, resulting in the loss of twenty lives and the injury of forty-six others.

In response, June 24th, 25th, and 26th were declared days of mourning for the victims. One clergyman was also killed in the attack, with the murder of Archpriest Nikolai Kotelnikov being premeditated by the perpetrators.

According to available information, the planning of this attack lasted for a month. Sergei Melikov, the Head of Dagestan, stated that six of the attackers were eliminated. Later, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) confirmed the elimination of five militants, two of whom were identified as sons of Magomed Omarov, head of Sergokala municipal district in Dagestan.

Magomed Omarov’s sons, whose brother was involved in the terrorist attack in Makhachkala, released a video expressing regret for the actions of their relative. They were detained for up to 13 days and charged with petty hooliganism.