Tragic day in pictures: Terror attack on Russia's church and synagogue claims lives of police and priest

Gunmen launched attacks on synagogues and churches on Sunday (local time), resulting in several casualties, according to security officials. The incidents occurred in Makhachkala, Dagestan's largest city and in Derbent, a city along the coast, where gunfights were reported. (Photo: Reuters)

According to the TASS state news agency, witnesses reported hearing gunfire near a church in Makhachkala, while shoot-outs were also reported in Derbent. "According to preliminary data, 15 law enforcement officers were killed, as well as four civilians, including an Orthodox priest," the investigative committee said. (Photo: Reuters)

"Unidentified people fired at a synagogue and a church with automatic weapons." the interior ministry had said. On Monday (local time), the Russian news agencies reported that five gunmen linked to the attacks had been killed. (Photo: Reuters)

Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan Republic, visited the Orthodox Church and met a priest post attack.

"This is a day of tragedy for Dagestan and the entire country," Melikov had said earlier in a video released on Telegram. (Photo: AP)

Areas of attack were sealed off by the police in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan. Russia's Dagestan began three days of mourning. (Photo: AFP)

Russia's FSB security service officers conducted an anti-terrorist operation against the gunmen post attack.

During the anti-terrorist operation against the gunmen, a gun and blood were seen on the ground by the officers.

Visible damages were seen inside the Kele-Numaz synagogue, Derbent after the attack in Dagestan. (Photo: AP)