Head of Russia’s Dagestan fires local official over relatives’ involvement in deadly terror attacks

The governor of Russia’s Dagestan has announced the dismissal of Magomed Omarov, a local official whose relatives were allegedly involved in Sunday’s deadly attacks in the region, Russian state-controlled media reported on Monday.

“I believe there should be full accountability here,” Governor Sergey Melikov said, as quoted by RIA Novosti. “I will not comment on certain things; accounting for the degree to which he is guilty or his participation in the tragedy is the task of investigative agencies. But if his involvement is confirmed, then [he’ll be held] fully accountable.”

Magomed Omarov was the head of Dagestan’s Sergokalinsky district. Citing sources in law enforcement, the state news agency TASS reported on Sunday that Omarov had been arrested in connection with his relatives’ alleged involvement in terror attacks earlier that day. According to media reports, at least four of Omarov’s relatives were linked to the attacks, including two of his sons and two of his nephews.

According to Melikov, at least six gunmen were killed during the ensuing counter-terrorism operation, including two of Omarov’s sons. Citing sources in law enforcement, RIA Novosti reported that one of Omarov’s nephews was killed as well.

Sunday’s attacks, which targeted two Orthodox churches, two synagogues, and a police post in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent, killed at least 20 people, including 15 police officers and a priest. Another 46 people were injured. Dagestan has declared three days of mourning.