RUSSIA: Russian police have seized control of an airport in Dagestan, capturing 60 individuals after hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators stormed the facility on Sunday. Online video shows the protesters, mainly young males, shouted “Allahu Akbar” and brandished Palestinian flags, smashing glass doors. The interior ministry announced the incident occurred after an Israeli plane arrived.
A second group attempted to topple a patrol truck at an airport in Russia’s North Caucasus area, causing twenty injuries before security personnel intervened, as per local authorities. Passengers aboard the aircraft reported as safe. The disturbances were triggered by Israel’s battle against Hamas militants in Gaza and other recent anti-Israel incidents.
Dagestan’s administration has increased security measures. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s is keen to maintain stability in the region ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The region, home to over 3 million people, has been the site of an Islamist insurrection, causing tensions and potential threats to the country’s stability.
The Russian Aviation Authority has closed the airport to aircraft until security checks are completed. The interior ministry has identified 150 active demonstrators and tracking them all. The ministry added that the airport is currently under law enforcement control.
Even though Dagestanis “empathise with the suffering of victims of the actions of unrighteous people and politicians, and pray for peace in Palestine,” their leader, Sergei Melikov, stated that the incident was a flagrant breach of the law.
Israeli leaders have urged Russian authorities to defend Jews and Israelis within their borders, following a recent fire in a Jewish centre in Nalchik, the capital of the neighbouring Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. There are reports of small-scale anti-Israeli demonstrations in Dagestan and other parts of southern Russia’s North Caucasus.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, blamed Russia’s “widespread culture of hatred towards other nations” for the incidents. Russia has been attempting to maintain contact with all parties involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, supporting a two-state solution and a Gaza truce.
However, by inviting a Hamas delegation to Moscow, Russia has infuriated Israeli officials. The Russian ambassador was called by Israel’s foreign ministry.
Also Read: Police Fatally Shoot Attacker Responsible for Killing Swedes in Brussels
