Deadly assaults on synagogue & Orthodox churches in Russia: Live updates

At least two police officers and a priest have been killed in attacks on a synagogue and two Orthodox churches in Dagestan Region, southern Russia

Unknown assailants launched a series of attacks on a synagogue and two Orthodox churches, as well as a traffic police station, in the southern Russian region of Dagestan. The incidents took place in the regional capital, Makhachkala, and the southern city of Derbent.

At least two police officers lost their lives in shootouts with the attackers – one in Derbent and one in Makhachkala, the authorities said. At least seven officers were injured, including six in an attack on the regional capital’s traffic police station.

The assailants also broke into an Orthodox church in Derbent and killed a local priest. The synagogue in the city, which also came under attack, was allegedly set on fire. Photos and videos of the burning building have surfaced on social media.

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