Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Russia Church Shooting

Chechnya's Kadyrov in denial of reality

By Sara Shayanian  

Doctors examine a man injured in an attack on a Russian church Sunday in Kizlyar Dagestan, Russia. Photo by EPA-EFE/Str

UPI -- The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility Monday for an attack that killed five at a church in the Dagestan region of Russia.

Authorities said the gunman was Khalil Khalilov and that he was a member of an IS sleeper cell.

Five people were killed in the shooting Sunday as worshipers left a traditional pre-Lent celebration in the city of Kizlyar, capital of the Republic of Dagestan.

"An unidentified bearded man ran toward the church yelling 'Allah Akba,'" Father Pavel, dean of the church, told RBC.

"When we heard the shots, we quickly closed the doors so that he couldn't get inside. He had a gun and a knife."

Several others were injured in the attack. The gunman was shot dead by police.

RBC reported that Khalilov, 22, joined the Islamic State last year and intended to target the attack on the Christian holiday.

Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov, though, disputed the shooter's Islamic ties.

"One can say with certainty that the bandit and his patrons, in case he had any, do not have any direct or indirect connection to Islam," Kadyrov wrote on Telegram.

"The North Caucasus has always been a region of close cooperation and mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians. So today, it is our duty to deter assaults on our heritage that instigators and Russia's enemies may make."

Obviously, if shouting Allah Akba means he wasn't an Islamic adherent, I wonder what it does mean? Are there other religions that worship Allah? 

Chechnya Leader Kadyrov Celebrates Women’s Day in Suit of Armor

It is not at all clear what kind of statement the impish-looking Kadyrov was trying to make, but it appears to have gone-over well.

Acting head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov (center) at a gala evening dedicated to the day of Chechen women in Grozny. © Sputnik

The head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov wowed his all-female audience in Grozny by turning up to a ceremonial event dressed as a medieval warrior, complete with a rather large spear.

To celebrate Chechen Women’s Day on Sunday, he turned up to the Safiya Palace of celebrations in the capital, Grozny, wearing rather unusual attire: a suit of armor, complete with helmet and spear.

“I have said before on a number of occasions those Chechen women have lived through a number of tragedies. Now it is time that they should enjoy life and not worry about the safety of their children, loved ones and those close to them,” Kadyrov wrote on Instagram.

Hundreds of women from local dance and cultural groups from within the republic turned up to the palace to enjoy the festivities. He also praised the role of women from the former war-torn republic, which has undergone a transformation over the last few years.

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“It pleases us that people from Chechnya are reaching new heights in science, culture, medicine and public life,” he said. “I warmly congratulate all the women from Chechnya and wish them peace and prosperity,” the head of the Chechen Republic wrote on his Instagram feed.

Chechen Women’s Day has been celebrated on the third Sunday of September since 2009, and is held to remember the lives of 46 Chechen women who died during the war in the Caucasus.

The women were each given a bouquet of flowers to acknowledge the celebration, while the evening was rounded off with a fireworks display.


Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque, Grozny, Chechnya, Russia

It was a double celebration for Kadyrov on Sunday, as he won 98 percent of the vote in elections to select the head of the Chechen Republic. He has held the position since 2007.

Chechnya has been under Russian rule (mostly) since 1921 after more than a century of almost constant fighting. Chechens are believed to be the original Caucasians.

    Chechnya, Russia