IS claims Russia church shooting

Moscow, February 19 

The Islamic State  has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on churchgoers in Russias predominantly Muslim Dagestan region.

At least five persons were killed and four wounded when a gunman opened fire with a hunting rifles on people leaving a Sunday service at a Russian Orthodox church in the Dagestan city of Kizlyar.

Authorities say the gunman was a local resident, and his wife has been detained for questioning. But police havent commented on the possible motive for the attack. A statement from the IS, posted Monday on an IS-affiliated militant website, claimed responsibility for the shooting, saying a Muslim fighter attacked “a Christian temple” in Kizlyar.

The authenticity of the statement couldnt be confirmed, but the website is regularly used by IS for posting militant statements. — AP