Overview

• Islamist extremists killed at least 21 people in attacks on religious sites in Dagestan, including a church and synagogue.
• The family of one accused attacker, Osman Omarov, has publicly condemned his actions and distanced themselves from extremism.
• Dagestan's local officials, including Omarov's father, face scrutiny and detentions, raising concerns about political connections to terrorism.
• Recent violence is seen as part of a broader resurgence of Islamist extremism in Russia, influenced by regional and international conflicts.
• Authorities are investigating potential links between the attacks and broader geopolitical issues, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.