Gunmen kill three police officers in Dagestan shooting attack

Deadly shooting in Makhachkala leaves officers and civilians dead and injured amid renewed security threats.

Russian law enforcement officers respond at the scene of a shootout after gunmen opened fire on police in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, on May 5, 2025, in this image taken from a video shared on social media. (c) Social media/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Three police officers were killed and at least four others were injured during a deadly Dagestan shooting attack on Monday, according to regional officials. The violence erupted in Makhachkala, the capital of the southern Russian region, when gunmen opened fire on traffic officers who had attempted to pull over a suspicious vehicle.

Dagestan's leader, Sergei Melikov, confirmed the shooting and described it as a coordinated act of violence targeting law enforcement. The attack occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. local time (11:20 GMT), the Interior Ministry reported. It took place on a busy street in the heart of the capital, drawing immediate concern from both local authorities and federal officials.

Gunmen open fire during traffic stop

The Dagestan shooting attack began when officers tried to stop a car for a routine check. Instead of complying, the occupants of the vehicle opened fire. Two of the assailants were killed during the firefight, according to a statement from a city administration spokesperson on Telegram. Both were identified by name and were said to have been born in the year 2000.

Despite the quick response by law enforcement, several other perpetrators managed to escape the scene. Russian state media reported that the fleeing suspects left in another vehicle, prompting a broader manhunt across the region. Officials have not yet confirmed the total number of attackers involved in the shooting.

Shocking aftermath caught on video

Graphic video footage shared on Telegram and verified by Reuters showed several lifeless bodies lying on the pavement beside a police vehicle. Civilians could be seen cautiously approaching the scene before more gunshots echoed in the distance. The footage painted a grim picture of the violence and added urgency to official calls for calm and vigilance.

Among the injured were two additional police officers and several civilians, including a 17-year-old girl. All were taken to a nearby hospital. At least one of the injured later died from their wounds, according to reports from Russian state media. Local health authorities have not yet released a full list of casualties.

Criminal investigation underway

Russian authorities have opened a criminal case in connection with the Dagestan shooting attack. Investigators are working to determine the identities and affiliations of the attackers, including whether they may have ties to extremist groups operating in the North Caucasus region.

Dagestan has long been a hotbed for sporadic violence, often fueled by religious extremism and separatist movements. Although the region has seen a decline in large-scale insurgency in recent years, isolated attacks against police and government officials continue to occur.

History of violence in the region

Monday’s deadly attack in Makhachkala adds to a growing list of violent incidents in Dagestan, where security forces have regularly clashed with Islamist militants. In March, Russian counter-terrorism units killed four alleged members of the Islamic State (ISIS). Authorities said the men were planning to attack a regional branch of the Interior Ministry.

Such threats have kept Dagestan under tight surveillance from Russian security agencies. While the federal government claims progress in dismantling terror cells in the region, sporadic gun violence and ambushes—like the one witnessed on Monday—highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement.

Public reaction and tightened security

Following the Dagestan shooting attack, regional authorities increased security across Makhachkala and neighboring districts. Patrols were intensified, and checkpoints were established on major roads to track the remaining suspects. Residents were urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Social media platforms in Russia were flooded with messages of support for the slain officers and expressions of outrage at the attackers. Some users criticized the authorities for not doing enough to prevent such incidents, while others called for harsher measures against known extremists.

Government response and federal involvement

While President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented publicly on the Makhachkala police shooting, Kremlin officials confirmed that federal law enforcement agencies are assisting in the investigation. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) has also been notified and is monitoring the situation closely.

Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, assured the public that the attackers would be brought to justice. In a televised statement, he praised the courage of the police officers who responded to the shooting and said the region would not tolerate such acts of terror.

A reminder of persistent threats

Despite years of counter-terror operations and heavy policing, the North Caucasus remains one of Russia’s most volatile regions. The Dagestan shooting attack underscores the complex security landscape, where threats can emerge suddenly, targeting not just law enforcement but civilians as well.

Analysts warn that while coordinated insurgency movements have weakened, lone attackers or small extremist cells can still inflict damage and fear. Monday’s tragedy in Makhachkala serves as a stark reminder that peace in the region remains fragile.

As investigators continue their search for the remaining gunmen and piece together the events that led to the attack, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and the preparedness of local police forces.

Outlook as investigation continues

The immediate priority for Russian authorities is to track down the attackers who escaped and determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader network. Surveillance footage, digital forensics, and eyewitness accounts are being reviewed as part of the criminal investigation.

For the residents of Makhachkala and the broader Dagestan region, Monday’s events are a somber reminder of the risks that persist despite government assurances of stability. As the funerals for the fallen officers are planned and tributes pour in, the focus now shifts to ensuring justice is served—and that such violence does not erupt again.