Russia terror attack: Synagogue and church set on fire as gunman goes on rampage - at least three dead
Synagogue and church set on fire as gunman goes on rampage
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A synagogue and a church in Russia have been set on fire as a gunman goes on a rampage in the Dagestan region.
At least three people have been killed, including two police officers, according to local news sources who quoted the Interior Ministry.
A priest is also understood to have been killed in the attacks.
Meanwhile, two of the attackers involved in the shootings have also been shot dead, the unofficial Baza Telegram channel, which is close to security services, reported.
Synagogue and church set on fire as gunman goes on rampageXAt least twelve other people are understood to be injured across the two sites.
The synagogue is situated Derbent, home to an ancient Jewish community in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan.
An exchange of fire also took place in an Orthodox Church in the town, a UNESCO heritage site.
"At approximately 6.00pm (Moscow time) in Derbent, unknown persons fired at a synagogue and a church with automatic weapons. According to preliminary information, one police officer was killed and one was wounded," TASS reported.
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At least four people are reported to have died in the attacks
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"The car in which the suspects fled was identified as a white Volkswagen Polo, license plate 921 The circumstances are being clarified. Information about the dead and wounded police officers is being clarified."
Meanwhile, 160km away, a similar incident took place. “In Makhachkala, unknown persons fired at a traffic police post on Ermoshkin Street. The 'Interception' plan was announced. The identities of the attackers are being established,” the regional Internal Affairs Ministry reported.
Fighting was later reported in the streets of Makhachkala.
The two officers are understood to have been killed in separate shootings, one at the police post in Makhachkala, and the other outside the synagogue in Derbent.
A general view of a street in the ancient city of Derbent
Reuters
Footage shows men dressed in black shooting at law enforcement officers on the street.
The identities of the perpetrators are not yet clear, the report adds.
As a result of the attack, a fire broke out at the synagogue.
More to follow...