In Derbent and Makhachkala, Dagestan, the Russian Guard (Rosgvardia) began storming the buildings where the militants barricaded themselves. Power was cut off in Derbent and the sounds of gunfire were heard, while a local school in Makhachkala is on fire. It is already known that one Rosgvardia officer was killed.
This was reported by the Russian propaganda telegram channel Readovka.
As a result of an attack by unknown persons on an Orthodox church, a Russian law enforcement agencies launched a counterterrorist operation in Derbent.
It is reported that at first, the security forces surrounded the city's district where the militants were holed up, and then a firefight started near the church.
Also, heavy armored vehicles, including BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, and military helicopters were spotted in the city.
There is also a confrontation between law enforcers and militants in Makhachkala. Eyewitnesses are publishing footage of a school on fire and a firefight, and grenade explosions can be heard. It is already known that one Rosgvardiya officer was killed.
It is reported that the parishioners of the Holy Assumption Cathedral in Makhachkala, who were blocked in the church, were evacuated.