In the Russian republic of Dagestan, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred on 23 June, targeting a synagogue, two Orthodox churches, and a traffic police post in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent. In response, a criminal case has been opened under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (terrorist act) and a three-day mourning period has been declared in the republic.
The attacks have been met with widespread condemnation from the international community, particularly from BRICS and SCO countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed condolences to the victims and their families, stating, “The Chinese side is against terrorist attacks committed in any form. We condemn acts of violence against civilians and law enforcement officials.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani echoed this sentiment, saying, “Iran considers terrorism of any kind as a threat to humanity, international security and emphasises the need for serious measures by the global community to combat this phenomenon.”
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu-Zeid also condemned the attacks, declaring, “Egypt condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that targeted places of worship and a police station in Dagestan.”
Zhang Ming, secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), expressed his shock at the incident, noting that the attacks took place on Holy Trinity Day, a significant Orthodox holiday.
Leaders across the region have also expressed their condolences and support. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to multilateral counter-terrorism efforts. Similar sentiments were echoed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Uzbek Leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who all condemned the attacks and offered their condolences.
President Japarov specifically stated, “Please accept my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack in Dagestan. I pray for patience to the families and friends of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the victims of this tragedy.”
