Dagestan

Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan continues to mourn loved ones and hold funerals for the dead, as questions and conspiracy theories swirl over the weekend attack that killed 20 people.

Russia's southern region of Dagestan is in mourning after a rampage by Islamic militants Sunday that killed 19 people, and attacked houses of worship in apparently coordinated assaults in two cities.

Russia has sent crews to assist in Dagestan, where the official number of COVID-19 deaths is 29. "It long ago became clear the official statistics have no basis in reality," a resident says.

The gunman opened fire at the Orthodox church as parishioners were leaving after Sunday service. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in the restive Muslim-majority region.

It's the first systematic documentation of the practice in the republic of Dagestan. Reactions from a mufti, a priest and a rabbi have sparked a charged debate.