Gunmen opened fire on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Dagestan, southern Russia, killing three police officers and injuring no fewer than four others.
The shooting occurred in Makhachkala, the regional capital, after police stopped a suspicious vehicle during a routine security check.
Dagestan leader Sergei Melikov confirmed the incident, saying the attack targeted officers conducting duties to maintain law and order.
Russia’s Interior Ministry said the gunmen launched the attack at about 14:20 local time (11:20 GMT), causing panic and confusion.
Security operatives at the scene responded immediately and shot dead two of the attackers during a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Authorities identified the slain suspects, both born in 2000, but withheld further details pending ongoing investigations into the assault.
Officials confirmed that additional attackers escaped in a vehicle, prompting a coordinated manhunt across the volatile region.
Footage shared on Telegram showed lifeless bodies beside a police patrol car while gunshots rang out in the background.
Eyewitnesses gathered at the scene, despite visible danger, as emergency services arrived to evacuate the wounded and secure the area.
State media reported that several officers and civilians, including a 17-year-old girl, were rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.
The Dagestan region has experienced repeated violent attacks in recent years, mainly targeting security personnel and public institutions.
In March, Russian forces killed four alleged ISIS members accused of planning attacks on police facilities within the region.
The Federal Security Service, FSB, recently reported killing a suspect planning bombings in Moscow’s metro and Jewish community centre.
In June 2024, gunmen stormed churches, a synagogue, and police stations in Dagestan, leaving at least 20 people dead.
The incident followed the March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow that killed 133 people during a concert event.
Authorities have since increased surveillance and deployed additional security forces to sensitive areas across the country.
Russian officials vowed to bring all culprits to justice and prevent further attacks on national institutions and civilian populations.
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