In the attacks in the Dagestani cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, the sons of the head of the Sergokala district of the republic, Omarov, were involved. He has been detained, according to TASS and Interfax.
A search is being conducted at the official's home. He is giving testimony to the police, Russian propaganda agencies reported, citing law enforcement sources in the Russian Federation.
According to Interfax, Russian security forces have killed four attackers in Makhachkala. Three of them have been identified as Omarov's sons and nephew.
It is also reported that the fire at the Derbent synagogue, which was attacked, is still ongoing.
The head of the Dagestanskiye Ogni police department, who was severely injured, has died.
Attacks in Dagestan
Today, June 23, unknown assailants carried out a series of armed attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent, targeting police officers, a synagogue, and an Orthodox church, where the priest was killed.
Heavy military equipment has been deployed on the streets of Derbent. The city is on lockdown. Russian security forces are conducting an operation to eliminate the attackers.
Preliminary reports indicate that six police officers were killed and 12 wounded in Derbent. In Makhachkala, one police officer was killed and six others were injured.