Extremist violence has plagued Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus region over the years. Recent events have once again brought bloodshed to the area.
Authorities report that five gunmen in Makhachkala and Derbent opened fire on Orthodox churches, synagogues, and a police post, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people before being killed by law enforcement.
This coordinated assault raises concerns about ongoing security weaknesses in Russia, especially following a previous attack by an Islamic State affiliate at a Moscow concert hall that claimed 145 lives.
Here is an overview of the region:
Location of Dagestan
Dagestan, situated between Chechnya and the Caspian Sea in the North Caucasus, is known for its diversity and volatility.
The region is home to over 30 recognized ethnic groups and 13 local languages alongside Russian.
With a population of 3.2 million in 2024, Dagestan has experienced a population boom in recent years.
The majority of the population identifies as Muslim, according to Russian government data, with significant Christian and Jewish communities dating back centuries.
A History of Conflict
Dagestan has been marred by violence since the early 2000s when militants involved in separatist conflicts in Chechnya moved into the region due to pressure from Russian security forces and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
Extremist activities such as bombings, police attacks, and kidnappings were common in the region over a decade ago.
Security measures tightened before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and many militants reportedly left for Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State fighters, leading to a temporary decline in violence.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s actions in Ukraine have kept violence at bay, the region remains unsettled.
Recent protests in Dagestan highlighted concerns over ethnic minorities disproportionately serving in Ukraine, indicating ongoing tensions.
In a demonstration of lingering extremist sentiments, a riot broke out at
