Update (1618 EST): The tarmac has been cleared however a NOTAM has been issued to close the airport until later this evening. Russian National Guardsmen arrested several dozen rioters.
The Russian National Guard and Security Forces have now Stormed the Tarmac at Makhachkala International Airport in Dagestan and are Mass Arresting any of the Rioters who did not Flee. pic.twitter.com/RG7dpcZsHK
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 29, 2023
Update (1558 EST):
??????? ????? ? ?????????? ?????????, ?? ?????????? ?????? ????????? ? ???????? ? ??????? ???????? ??????? ?? ????? ? ????-?????.
?? ?? ?????????? ??????? ? ????????? – ?? ??????? ?????? ????????? ? ????? ???????? ????????? ?? ????? ???????, ??? ?????????? ???????? ???????????,…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) October 29, 2023
Update (1548 EST): The Supreme Mufti of Dagestan Sheikh Akhmad Afandi has called on pro-Hamas rioters to cease the airport occupation: “As for today’s action: you are mistaken. This issue cannot be resolved in this way. We understand and perceive your indignation very painfully. But you can’t stop such options. We will solve this issue differently. Not with rallies, but accordingly. Maximum patience and calm for you.”
At approximately 1342 EST, initial reports indicated that a large pro-Hamas protest had formed in front of the Makhachkala airport in Dagestan, Russian Federation. Initially the crowd was pushing against the fence as security forces attempted to barricade the doors. However, by 1400 EST, airport employees had to self barricade as protestors breached the airport security fences and infiltrated the tarmac outside the terminal.
Pro-Hamas rioters storm Makhachkala airport, Dagestan, Russian Federation. pic.twitter.com/vVZAIHA8z5
— Tessaron News (@TessaronF) October 29, 2023
Pro-Hamas rioters breaching the Makhackhala airport in Dagestan, targeting a refugee flight from Israel. pic.twitter.com/48hgaQfU72
— Tessaron News (@TessaronF) October 29, 2023
This follows reports from earlier today when pro-Hamas rioters swept a nearby hotel where terror-sympathzing TG pages spread rumors that Jewish refugees were staying there.
A lynch mob was formed in front of Flamingo Hotel in Dagestan, Russia after a rumour was spread that Jews had arrived to stay at the hotel. The crowd dispersed after every room of the hotel was checked for Jews and the passports of all guests were inspected.
Via @ManiacMagic1 pic.twitter.com/r1s9tb89xn
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 29, 2023
As of this publication, rioters have surrounded several planes as passengers have frantically reboarded. Russian Federation special forces have reportedly arrived on scene and are attempting to regain order at the airport. However, hundreds of rioters have seemingly occupied the entire facility.
Passengers being forced to reboard plane after pro-Hamas rioters rush the tarmac, targeting potential refugees from Israel in Makhachkala Airport, Dagestan. pic.twitter.com/Amgy9JJyng
— Tessaron News (@TessaronF) October 29, 2023
Civilians leaving the airport in privately owned vehicles have been stopped and had their passports inspected for Israeli stamps. At least one person was pulled from their vehicle, but it is not currently clear why or what happened to them since.
Pro-Hamas rioters attacking Dagestan security forces outside Makhachkala Airport, Dagestan, Russian Federation. pic.twitter.com/RfyK1kd87E
— Tessaron News (@TessaronF) October 29, 2023
Rioters have attacked police vehicles and the airport has been shut down due to the developing situation.