Three police officers killed in gun attack in Russia’s Dagestan region

Three police officers were killed and at least four others injured on Monday after gunmen opened fire on traffic police in Makhachkala, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Dagestan, according to regional authorities, media outlets reported. The attack occurred when police tried to stop a car, prompting a shootout around 14:20 local time.

Two assailants, both born in 2000, were killed at the scene. State media reported that other attackers fled, triggering a manhunt. A criminal investigation is underway. Footage verified by Reuters showed bodies beside a police car, with gunfire audible in the background. Among the injured were civilians, including a 17-year-old girl. One injured person later died in hospital.

Dagestan, a Muslim-majority region near the Caspian Sea, has experienced a series of violent incidents in recent months, including deadly attacks linked to extremist groups. The incident comes amid heightened security tensions across Russia following major attacks earlier this year.