Moscow, July 23: Two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a traffic police station in Russia's Dagestan region were attacked on Sunday, leaving a priest and at least six policemen dead, reports said.

Two assailants were also killed in retaliatory action by police, RT reported. The attacks took place in Makhachkala, the regional capital, as well as the city of Derbent. Unidentified assailants opened fire on the religious buildings in Makachkala with automatic firearms before fleeing the scene in a vehicle, reports said. Russia Synagogue Attack: Significant Fire Breaks Out at Synagogue in Derbent After Shooting Incident, Casualties Feared (Watch Video).

A traffic police station in the centre of Makhachkala was also attacked, causing several casualties among police officials. The police fatalities were reported from both Makhachkala and Derbent. A 66-year-old Orthodox priest was killed in the attack on the church in Derbent. Earlier, a local public official claimed that the attackers had slit his throat. Ukraine: Narrow Escape for Woman After Russia-Launched Bomb Blast Hits Kharkiv, Video Surfaces.

The attack on the police officers in Derbent was caught on video and shared on social media. Loud gunfire can be heard in the clip, with several police cars seen parked down the street, as law enforcement officers retaliated against the assailants.

Fire Erupts at Synagogue After Attack

Gunfire could still be heard in central Derbent, according to witnesses. Local law enforcement officers were reportedly still engaged in a fight against the attackers near the Orthodox church.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2024 11:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).