In Dagestan, 15 policemen were killed while repelling a militant attack (updated)

15 police officers became victims of an attack by militants in Dagestan, said the head of the republic, Sergei Melikov.

The terrorist attack also killed several civilians, including Nikolai Kotelnikov – priest of an Orthodox church in Derbent.

On the evening of June 23, unknown persons fired at a synagogue and a church in Derbent, and later in Makhachkala, militants attacked a traffic police post. Another shootout occurred a few hours later in the village of Sergokala, not far from Derbent.

In Dagestan, June 24, 25 and 26 have been declared days of mourning.

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Terrorists attacked churches and synagogues in Dagestan, many killed

On Sunday evening, Islamic radicals attacked and set fire to churches and synagogues in Makhachkala and Derbent. Official reports say nine people were killed, unofficial reports say more than 20.

As of midnight Sunday, fighting with terrorists continued, some terrorists and 7 policemen were killed.

Two of the killed terrorists turned out to be sons of the head of one of the districts of Dagestan.