Protesters storm Russian airport upon Israeli plane's arrival, chanting 'Allahu Akbar'| Watch video
Moscow, October 30: In an alarming incident at Makhachkala's Dagestan airport, hundreds of protesters stormed the venue to express their displeasure at the arrival of a plane from Tel Aviv, Israel. The chaotic scene resulted in the closure of the airport and injuries to nearly 20 people, two of whom are in critical condition.
???????????????? Muslims in Dagestan, Russia STORM the airport at which a flight from ISRAEL is currently arriving! pic.twitter.com/Ez7xwmJhNL
— Jackson Hinkle ???????? (@jacksonhinklle) October 29, 2023
Unrest at Dagestan airport:
The airport in Makhachkala, Russia, witnessed mayhem as protesters sought to voice their opposition to the arrival of a plane from Tel Aviv, Israel. The unrest prompted Russian security forces to shut down the airport temporarily and divert flights.
Local authorities reported that around 20 individuals were injured in the commotion, with two of them in critical condition. Makhachkala, situated in the North Caucasus region, has a significant Muslim population.
BREAKING:
A lynch mob has stormed the airport in Dagestan, Russia to look for Jewish passengers after finding out that a plane from Tel Aviv is about to land.
They have also stopped police cars in front of the airport and are searching them for Jews.
What’s Putin doing?
???????????????? pic.twitter.com/LgaiXaiDqJ — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 29, 2023
This incident occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group, Hamas, which has resulted in a significant loss of lives, with over 8,000 casualties. While the conflict claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis, the death toll in the Gaza Strip surpassed 7,000.
Numerous videos circulated on social media, depicting the anti-Israel protesters freely entering the airport and even accessing the baggage collection areas. Demonstrators chanted religious slogans such as 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest) and displayed the Palestinian flag.
Other videos showed protesters on the tarmac, searching planes for Jewish passengers. A Russian pilot issued a warning to passengers, cautioning against opening the aircraft doors to prevent the mob from entering. Some protesters were reportedly armed, leading to a confrontation with Russian security forces.
In addition, videos revealed protesters attempting to overturn a police car and checking the passports of arriving passengers.
Rosaviatsia, Russia's aviation authority, managed to remove the group by 10:20 pm Moscow time, ensuring the safety of the plane's passengers. However, the Dagestan airport remained closed until November 6, as per Rosaviatsia's announcement. Russia's Investigative Committee launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
Israel urged Russian authorities to protect Israelis and Jews within their jurisdiction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens and Jews and acting resolutely against the rioters and incitement.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his dismay at the incident, attributing it to Russia's official messages about Israel. He called it part of Russia's culture of hatred toward other nations.
Russian authorities announced that CCTV footage would be used to identify those involved in the airport disturbance, and they would face legal consequences. The Dagestani government appealed to citizens to remain calm, not succumb to destructive provocations, and refrain from creating panic. They highlighted ongoing efforts at both the federal and international levels to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
Sheikh Akhmad Afandi, the Supreme Mufti of Dagestan, also urged residents to end the unrest at the airport.
- With inputs from agencies
