Breaking News: Coordinated Attack on Churches, Synagogue in Russia

This is the exact type of attack I’ve been warning will happen in the U.S.

Armed militants launched a series of coordinated attacks on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a police post in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan. This wave of violence resulted in the tragic deaths of several individuals, including a Russian Orthodox priest, a church security guard, and numerous police officers. These attacks highlight the ongoing threat to places of worship and emphasize the need for heightened security measures.

The Details of the Attacks

On June 23, 2024, armed militants targeted two Orthodox churches, a synagogue, and a traffic police post in Dagestan, Russia. According to the Russian state news agency Tass, these brutal attacks led to the deaths of a priest, a church security guard, and at least six police officers. The assailants set fire to the church and synagogue in the city of Derbent, causing further chaos and destruction.

https://www.youtube.com/live/wBuxp-RPyDM?si=5uGVsrcNLym-moz_

Simultaneously, a traffic police post in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, was attacked, resulting in the deaths of six police officers and injuries to twelve others. In total, nine people were killed in these coordinated assaults, including seven policemen, while twenty-five others were injured.

Immediate Response and Blame

Dagestan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that four militants were "eliminated" in Makhachkala. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but some officials in Dagestan were quick to blame Ukraine and NATO. Dagestan lawmaker Abdulkhakim Gadzhiyev suggested on Telegram that these attacks were linked to the intelligence services of Ukraine and NATO countries. However, Ukrainian officials have not commented on these allegations.

Implications for Church Security in the U.S.

In light of these tragic events, it is imperative to consider the security of churches and other places of worship in the United States. Christian Warrior Training has issued an alert, highlighting that churches in America are at high risk of similar attacks back in April. This alert emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and robust security measures in American places of worship.

For further details on this alert, visit Christian Warrior Training's alert.

Analysis

This is a real threat here in the United States. ISIS has called for followers to attack churches and synogogues in the United States and there has been at least one inspired attack on a church so far here at home. We should watch these attacks closely as they happen in more vulnerable countries. This is the same method they will use here in the homeland. Follow our recommendations in the alert outlined above by keeping your church open for worship while still maintaining an elevated alert status to protect congregants.

As more information comes in, I will do a video breakdown of what occurred and post it here. If you’re not following this newsletter, now is the best time to subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize the safety of your congregations. Your comments and thoughts on this pressing issue are welcome.