Russian official cites Islamic 'sleeper cells' as death toll in attacks on synagogues, churches climbs to 20

A Russian official pointed to Islamic "sleeper cells" after gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on synagogues and churches in two cities in the southern region of Dagestan, killing at least 20 people Sunday.

Sunday's violence in Dagestan's regional capital of Makhachkala and nearby Derbent was the latest that officials blamed on Islamic extremists in the predominantly Muslim region in the North Caucasus, as well as the deadliest in Russia since March, when gunmen opened fire at a concert in suburban Moscow, killing 145 people. The affiliate of the Islamic State group in Afghanistan that claimed responsibility for March's raid at the Crocus City concert hall quickly praised the attack in Dagestan, saying it was conducted by "brothers in the Caucasus who showed that they are still strong."

Dagestan Gov. Sergei Melikov, selected by Russian President Vladimir Putin to lead the region, blamed members of Islamic "sleeper cells" directed from abroad, but did not give any other details. He said in a video statement that the assailants' goal was "sowing panic and fear," and attempted to link the attack to Moscow’s military action in Ukraine – but also provided no evidence.

Putin had sought to blame the March attack on Ukraine, again without evidence and despite the claim of responsibility by the Islamic State affiliate. Kyiv has vehemently denied any involvement.

RUSSIA OPENS TERROR PROBE AFTER ATTACKS ON SYNAGOGUES, ORTHODOX CHURCHES; PRIEST AND POLICE OFFICERS KILLED

Of the 20 killed in the armed attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala on Sunday, at least 15 were police, according to the latest figures from Russian authorities on Monday.

Medical authorities in Dagestan said at least 46 people were injured. Of those, at least 13 were