In a tragic incident in Makhachkala, Dagestan, a shootout on May 5, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two police officers and injuries to several others, including a 17-year-old girl. The attack unfolded at approximately 14:15 on Kerimova Street, where unknown assailants opened fire on a patrol from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (DPS).
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Dagestan, the attackers were two in number, and they were subsequently killed during the exchange of gunfire. However, reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that three people had died, including one police officer, while five others were hospitalized with injuries. Among the injured were two police officers and three civilians, which included a teenage girl.
Initial reports from RIA Dagestan stated that the assailants had fled the scene in a stolen service vehicle, prompting local authorities to implement a plan known as "Perekhvat" to apprehend the suspects. The area surrounding the incident was cordoned off as law enforcement agencies conducted search operations.
Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, confirmed that the incident began when police attempted to stop a vehicle, but the driver failed to comply and opened fire instead. Melikov urged the public to remain calm and to avoid sharing images or videos of the incident online.
As the situation unfolded, conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of attackers involved. While some sources indicated that there were four assailants, the Ministry of Internal Affairs maintained that only two were involved and had been neutralized. The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has since opened a criminal case related to the attack, citing multiple charges including encroachment on the life of law enforcement officers and illegal trafficking in weapons.
In the aftermath of the attack, medical personnel at local hospitals reported that several of the injured were in serious condition. The Ministry of Health later confirmed that a total of seven individuals had been admitted to hospitals, including the 17-year-old girl, while one person succumbed to their injuries.
Witnesses to the shooting described the chaos that ensued as the gunfire erupted. Local residents were advised to avoid the area surrounding the intersection of Kerimova and Magomedtagirova streets while police conducted their investigations. The community remains shaken by the violence, which is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region.
While the exact motivations behind the attack remain unclear, it highlights the precarious security situation in Dagestan, a region that has experienced sporadic violence and clashes involving law enforcement and militant groups. The authorities are continuing their efforts to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent further incidents.
The tragic loss of life among law enforcement underscores the risks faced by those who serve to protect their communities. As investigations continue, the families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones, and the broader community grapples with the implications of this violent act.
In summary, the events in Makhachkala on May 5 serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in regions affected by violence. The ongoing investigations and the community's response will be crucial in addressing the aftermath of this tragic incident.
