synagogue attacks and church/19 dead in southern Russia, the moment when authors shoot out at buildings

Six armed men were also killed, according to the BBC.

The attacks targeted the towns of Derbent and Makhackala at the Orthodox Festival of Pentecost.

The attackers have not been officially identified, but Daguestan in the past has been the scene of Islamic attacks.

The head of the republic, Sergei Melikov, said it is understood who stands behind the organisation of the attacks, while failing to provide more details.

Two churches and a synagogue were targeted in Sunday's attacks, as well as a police station in Makachkala, Dagestan's largest city. A Orthodox priest was among those killed

Melikov said some civilians had lost their lives, including a priest, Father Nikolai Kotelnikov, who said he had served in Derbent for more than 40 years.

Melikov announced that three days of mourning will be held in connection with the event starting Monday.

Armed persons have not yet been officially identified, but in a video on the telegram, Melikov said their attack had been prepared abroad and that Daguestan was now directly involved in Russia's war in Ukraine.

You can see the tape.