The anti-terrorist operation launched in the Russian republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus after the attacks on Orthodox churches and a synagogue, in which at least 16 people were killed, has ended, the Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) announced today, as quoted by France Presse.
"Due to the neutralization of threats to the life and health of citizens, a decision was made to end the anti-terrorist operation" in Dagestan and from 8:15 a.m. Moscow time (and Bulgarian note ed.), the NAC reported, quoted by Russian news agencies.
Gunmen attacked two Orthodox churches and a synagogue in Dagestan yesterday, killing a priest and at least 15 policemen, authorities said, condemning the actions as "terrorist".
The attacks took place in the capital of Dagestan, Makhachkala, and in the coastal city of Derbent.
According to the authorities in Derbent, a 66-year-old priest of the Russian Orthodox Church was killed.
At least 15 police officers were also killed in the attacks, Dagestan Governor Sergey Melikov said in a video posted on Telegram last night.
"More than 15 policemen became victims of the terrorist act" in Dagestan, Melikov reported, stressing that they "protected civilians... at the cost of their lives".
The initial death toll announced by the authorities was eight policemen and a priest killed in the attacks, according to AFP.
Today, a three-day mourning period has been announced in Dagestan and state flags will be lowered to half-mast, reported on his channel in "Telegram". the office of the governor of the region Sergey Melikov, quoted by TASS.
Cultural institutions and television stations in Dagestan will cancel all entertainment events and shows.
"The government of the Republic of Dagestan has been ordered to take the necessary measures to provide assistance to the families of the killed and wounded," the message also said.