Terrorist Attack in Dagestan, Russia

SOURCE www.npr.org
A terrorist attack in Russia's Dagestan Republic killed 20 people, including police officers and an Orthodox priest. The attackers targeted a synagogue, churches, and a police station. Questions remain about who was behind the attack and their motives.

Key Points

  • 20 people killed in near-simultaneous attacks on a synagogue, churches, and a police station
  • No direct claim of responsibility for the attacks
  • Security lapse criticized by government critics
  • Extremist violence not new to Dagestan and Russia's southern regions
  • Possible involvement of ISIS-K splinter group

Pros

  • Swift response by security forces to end the attacks
  • National counterterrorism task force successfully neutralized the attackers

Cons

  • Loss of 20 lives, including police officers and an Orthodox priest
  • Questions and theories swirl about who was responsible for the attack