Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, stated that there are foreign attempts to destabilize the situation in the region, including through pro-Ukrainian Telegram channels.
"Our enemies are attempting to destabilize the situation in Dagestan, using forbidden techniques that aim to fuel inter-ethnic discord and inter-confessional conflicts," he said.
According to Melikov, one of the Telegram channels that is urging residents of the region to participate in protests is being controlled from abroad. "Today, we have received highly credible information that the 'Morning of Dagestan' channel is being administered and operated from Ukraine's territory, by individuals he referred to as traitors and Banderites," the head of the republic stated.
He also mentioned that two police officers were injured during the disturbances at Makhachkala airport.
"It has been confirmed that two police officers sustained injuries. They were hurt while trying to maintain control in the airport's restricted areas," he stated.
Cynicism and betrayal
Melikov described the disturbances at the airport as acts of cynicism and betrayal.
"I'd like to address the issue of cynicism and betrayal. The events that unfolded yesterday can be likened to a betrayal of our servicemen who are diligently safeguarding our entire nation within the National Welfare and Order (NWO) zone. It's a paradox that while some are directly confronting our adversaries, those participating in the so-called protest are inadvertently aiding the enemy. This can only be labeled as an act of treachery," he stated.
Current airport and regional conditions
The equipment and facilities at the airport remain undamaged, as per the statement by the head of Dagestan.
"I have visited the airport premises. In Terminal B, the equipment and hardware are intact, with no damage. Similarly, in Terminal A, which serves domestic airlines, everything essential for the stable and reliable operation of the airport complex remains unharmed," Melikov stated.
According to him, the entire functionality of the airport will be restored within the next 2–3 days. "We will resume flight operations, including international flights, to swiftly recover from the events of last night," the regional leader added.
He also emphasized that the situation in the republic is now calm.
"I hope that the situation that unfolded around Uytash airport does not reflect the typical sociopolitical climate in our republic. The situation is being managed, and it will remain under control. Both regional and federal authorities are involved in this. There will be no destabilizing of the situation, despite the desires of our adversaries," the regional leader stated.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Shamil Magomedov/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS