A view shows the entrance to the Orthodox Holy Assumption Cathedral after an attack by gunmen in Makhachkala in the region of Dagestan, Russia, in this still image from video released June 24, 2024. (Photo: National Antiterrorism Committee/Handout via REUTERS)

Gunmen with automatic weapons burst into an Orthodox church and a synagogue in the ancient city of Derbent on Sunday evening, setting fire to an icon at the church and killing a 66-year-old Orthodox priest, Nikolai Kotelnikov.

In the Caspian city of Makhachkala, about 125 km (75 miles) north, attackers shot at a traffic police post and attacked a church.

Gun battles erupted around the Assumption Cathedral in Makhachkala and heavy automatic gunfire rang out late into the night. Footage showed residents running through the city to seek cover as plumes of smoke rose above Makhachkala.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Russia's investigative committee said 15 policemen and four civilians were killed. At least five attackers were killed, some were shown by local media shot dead on a pavement.