Terrorist attacks in Dagestan: Street fighting, churches attacked, synagogue set on fire, 15 police officers killed

(Patria) - At least 15 police officers were killed yesterday in a series of attacks in the southern Russian province of Dagestan, and five attackers were also killed, Reuters reported, citing Russian news agencies. Armed attackers opened fire on a synagogue and two Orthodox churches in Derbent, as well as on a police checkpoint in Makhachkala.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that an Orthodox priest was also killed in the attack, and the synagogue and Orthodox church were set on fire. Agencies report that street fighting occurred in Makhachkala, the administrative center of Dagestan. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced that five attackers were killed.

Local agencies write that there are also civilian casualties. Dagestan is a Russian province predominantly populated by Muslims on the Caspian Sea. An investigation into "terrorist acts" has been opened, with no further details.

The Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan announced that it has launched a terrorism investigation in connection with the attacks, according to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

"All circumstances of the events and the persons involved in the terrorist attacks are being determined, and their actions will be legally assessed," the statement said.