Head of Dagestan says foreign forces behind terror attacks in Makhachkala, Derbent

Head of Russia's Dagestan Republic Sergey Melikov has said that the terrorist attacks in the region were carefully planned, most likely abroad.

He made the corresponding statement during his speech at the session of the People's Assembly, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"This is a carefully planned action, most likely from abroad, the aim of which is to sow discord among the peoples of Russia," Melikov said.

Melikov called on the residents of Dagestan to unite to eradicate terrorism in the region.

On the evening of June 23, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks struck the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent in Russia’s Dagestan Republic, resulting in the deaths of 20 people and injuries to 46 others. Among the dead and injured are both civilians and law enforcement officers.