Gunmen attacked a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police post in Russia's Dagestan region on Monday, killing at least 9 people and injuring 16, in what officials are calling a provocation to incite religious discord.

The coordinated attacks in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent resulted in the deaths of six police officers and a 66-year-old Orthodox priest among others. The assailants set synagogues and police cars on fire before authorities managed to kill four of the attackers. Local leaders, including Ramzan Kadyrov of Chechnya, condemned the violence as an attempt to destabilize the region, which holds significant cultural and religious history. The government has launched a counter-terrorist operation in response.

The violence began in the early hours of Monday with reports of gunfire and explosions in both Makhachkala and Derbent. The attackers used a Volkswagen Polo in the Derbent assault, which added to the chaos as they targeted places of worship and law enforcement simultaneously.

In Makhachkala, the synagogue was set ablaze, as confirmed by Borush Gorin, chairman of the public council of Russia's Federation of Jewish Communities. This act of arson compounded the physical damage and heightened the emotional toll on the Jewish community, which resides in a predominantly Muslim region.

Authorities have yet to officially attribute responsibility for the attacks, but there are speculations about foreign involvement. Some officials have pointed fingers at Ukraine and NATO, though this claim remains unsubstantiated at this time.

The coordinated strikes claimed the lives of at least nine people, with six of the deceased being police officers. The 66-year-old Russian Orthodox priest was among those killed. Incidents like these have a profound impact on the local communities, sowing fear and uncertainty among residents who rely on these institutions for their spiritual and social needs.

The casualty count extends beyond the fatalities, with conflicting reports on the number of injured individuals. Estimates range from 12 to 25 people injured in the attacks, reflecting the severity and widespread nature of the violence. These injuries put additional strain on medical facilities and emergency responders in the region.

In addition to the arson at the synagogue, a police car was also set on fire in Makhachkala.

Authorities have responded by launching a counter-terrorist operation. This swift action aims to apprehend any remaining perpetrators and prevent further violence. The focus is on restoring order and ensuring the safety of all residents and institutions within Dagestan.

Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, publicly condemned the attacks, labeling them as provocations intended to create discord between different confessions. Dagestan, which borders Georgia and Azerbaijan, is a region known for its religious diversity and historical significance. Efforts to foster unity among different religious groups have been a priority for local leaders.

Derbent, one of the cities targeted, is home to an ancient Jewish community and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The attacks on this historically rich location not only aim to instill fear but also potentially threaten the cultural and historical fabric of the area.

The situation remains tense as investigations continue and security measures are heightened. Authorities emphasize the importance of community resilience and cooperation in the face of such destabilizing actions. The involvement of international and local law enforcement agencies underscores the severity of the situation and the broader implications it carries for regional stability.