Five dead in Russia church shooting, police kill suspect | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Five dead in Russia church shooting, police kill suspect

Reuters, Moscow | ByReuters
Feb 18, 2018 10:49 PM IST

The shooting took place Sunday evening in Kizlyar, a town of about 50,000 people on the border with Chechnya.

A man in Russia’s southern province of Dagestan shot into a crowd of people leaving a church on Sunday, killing five and injuring at least five others, Russian news agencies reported, citing the local health ministry.

The motive for the shooting was not immediately known.(AFP File Photo)
The motive for the shooting was not immediately known.(AFP File Photo)

The attack occurred in the village of Kizlyar in the Muslim-majority republic of Dagestan, agencies said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The small republic in the Caucasus mountains borders Chechnya, where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and radical religious groups since the 1991 Soviet collapse and which has seen a large number of people join Islamic State.

Russian news agencies said the attack occurred as churchgoers celebrated Maslenitsa, a Christian holiday marking the last day before Lent according to the eastern Orthodox calendar.

The assailant was identified as a 22-year-old man local to the region, the TASS news agency said, citing the investigative committee.

He was shot and killed by security services who were on duty nearby, TASS said, adding that a hunting rifle, bullets and a knife were discovered on his person.

Initial reports suggested all five victims were women, TASS said, citing the local branch of the interior ministry.

The injured include two members of local security services and two civilians, also women, the Interfax news agency said.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 07, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On