The recent airport riot in Russia's Dagestan, where thousands of people stormed the airport targeting a flight from Israel, has sparked international attention.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, without presenting any evidence, accused unnamed Ukrainian agents and Western spy agencies of being behind the incident, as per to Independent.
US, Ukraine Dismiss Putin's Claims as Absurd Russian Rhetoric
The US and Ukraine have swiftly rejected these claims, labeling them as "absurd" and "classic Russian rhetoric." The chaotic scene unfolded late on a Sunday, leading to more than 20 people getting injured.
However, none of the injured individuals were Israeli nationals. In the aftermath, Putin pointed fingers at Ukrainian agents and Western intelligence agencies, asserting that they were trying to incite this rampage. He framed this incident as part of America's alleged efforts to weaken Russia, a claim the US vehemently denied.
The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, and Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, echoed their president's sentiments, emphasizing the involvement of external actors. However, they failed to provide any concrete evidence supporting these allegations.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, responded to the accusations, dismissing them as "classic Russian rhetoric."
He added, "When something goes bad in your country, you blame somebody else."
Kirby emphasized that the West had no involvement in the incident and characterized it as an act of hate, bigotry, and intimidation. The anti-Jewish sentiment displayed during the riot is deeply concerning. Many of the rioters waved Palestinian flags and chanted antisemitic slogans.
This incident unfolded against the backdrop of Putin's pro-Palestinian stance during Israel's conflict in Gaza. This position aligns Russia with its ally Iran and contributes to a growing global divide between East and West. The visit of a senior Hamas delegation to Moscow further exacerbated tensions. It marked the first high-profile international visit by Hamas since a raid in southern Israel.
Israel criticized the visit, expressing concerns about legitimizing terrorism. In the chaos that ensued, hundreds of people stormed Makhachkala airport ahead of a flight from Tel Aviv, Israel.
The majority Muslim population of Dagestan was reportedly incensed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which fueled their anger. Security forces eventually managed to regain control, leading to the arrest of more than 60 individuals, according to local authorities, according to The Guardian.
Russian Officials Claim Foreign Involvement in Deadly Airport Riot
Russian officials, including Putin, claimed that this deadly chaos had been organized through social networks, with Ukraine and Western special services allegedly playing a role. Governor Sergei Melikov of Dagestan went a step further, stating that the riots had been incited from Ukraine by traitors.
He pointed to a Telegram channel named "Morning Dagestan," an Islamist channel that opposes Russian control of the region. The track had been associated with Ilya Ponomarev, a former Russian MP who defected to Ukraine in 2016 and was granted Ukrainian citizenship.
Despite claims to the contrary, the channel had called on its followers to "meet the unexpected visitors" from Tel Aviv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the airport riot and denied any Ukrainian involvement.
The US firmly stood by its rejection of the accusations, emphasizing that the West was not connected to the incident and decrying it as an act of hate. This incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The allegations of foreign involvement in domestic unrest underscore the enduring tensions between Russia and the West.
The broader implications of this incident remain to be seen, but it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and divisions that persist on the international stage. As investigations continue and more information emerges, the world will be watching closely to understand the true origins and motivations behind the Dagestan airport riot.
In the meantime, the international community must work together to promote peace and stability in the face of such incidents that threaten to exacerbate existing conflicts and divisions, Aol reported.
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