Two individuals opened fire on a traffic police patrol in Makhachkala, the capital of Russia's Republic of Dagestan, according to reports from RIA Dagestan and the Telegram channels 112, Mash, and Baza.
RIA Dagestan reported that three police officers were killed. The attackers fled the scene in a stolen police vehicle, and authorities launched a citywide manhunt.
Makhachkala officials confirmed the shooting to TASS, saying that law enforcement agencies are conducting response and investigative operations.
Dagestan Governor Sergey Melikov said officers had attempted to stop a vehicle when the driver refused to comply and opened fire. He said there were injuries but did not provide further details. Melikov also urged residents not to film or share images of the incident online.
Dagestan’s Interior Ministry later said the shooting took place at 2:20 p.m. local time and that three officers were killed in the attack. The suspects remain at large.