Islamic State (ISIS) has hit Russia with multiple attacks in multiple locations as images show a church and a synagogue up in flames, according to reports.
Sharing the footage online, Weapons and Conflicts researcher @War_Noir posted: “Armed militants (very likely affiliated with #ISIS / #ISKP) carried out multiple attacks and set a church and a synagogue on fire in #Derbent and #Makhachkala in #Dagestan.
“Additionally militants carried out shooting attacks with multiple rifles as well.”
The analyst also shared footage that appeared to show ISIS operatives during a shooting in Dagestan.
The men seemed to be armed with a scoped AR-15 rifle and a possible MA-136-SU carbine rifle.
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The Investigative Department of the Russian Investigative Committee for the Republic of Dagestan says it has initiated criminal cases following the attacks on Derbent and Makhachkala.
It is not known how many casualties there were, but reports said five police officers were shot dead with 23 people wounded.
The head of Dagestan Sergei Melikov said: “This evening in Derbent and Makhachkala, unknown persons made attempts to destabilise the social situation.
“Dagestan police officers stood in their way.
“According to preliminary information, there are victims among them.
“All services operate in accordance with instructions….
“The identities of the attackers are being established.
“An operational headquarters has been created, all necessary decisions will be made promptly.”
Speaking to the Daily Express, ISIS-K observer Lucas Webber said: “The sophistication and target selection of the attack indicates Islamic State involvement. The perpetrators are likely regional actors with some kind of international backing.”
The attack comes after ISIS-K operatives stormed the Crocus City Hall in Moscow back in March.
They killed 145 people and set the venue on fire as people gathered there for a rock concert.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the attack a “barbaric terrorist act”
Twelve people were detained. Four suspects were charged with terrorism offences on March 24.
ISIS has targeted Russia on a number of occasions. Moscow played a vital role in destroying much of the group’s resources in Syria after war broke out in the country back in 2011.
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