Published: 31 October 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
A mob in Russia’s mostly Muslim region of Dagestan has stormed the airport, invading the runway while chanting antisemitic slogans, and forcing temporary closure of the airport.
In the past day, local people have besieged a hotel in search of Jewish guests and stormed the airport after reports emerged that a flight from Tel Aviv was arriving in the city. Passengers were forced to take refuge in planes or hide in the airport for fear of being attacked. Local health authorities said that 20 people had been injured without giving further details.
Video posted to social media showed hundreds of young men, some carrying Palestinian flags or placards denouncing Israel, storming on to the tarmac of the Makhachkala international airport and climbing on to idling planes, attempting to break through the windows.
Footage from the airport shows angry mob searching for those who were aboard the plane, protesters wave Palestinian flags and chant antisemitic slogans as well as "checking" cars leaving the place.
Russia's Civil Aviation Authority said the airport was temporarily closed due to "invaders" on the runways.
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Mob storms Dagestan airport in search of Jewish passengers from Israel (Guardian)
Airport in Russia’s Muslim southern region closed after hundreds storm tarmac and climb on to plan
Crowds Storm Russian Airport Looking for Jews as Flight From Israel Lands (Haaretz)
Footage from the airport in Makhachkala shows angry mob searching for those who were aboard the plane, protesters chants antisemitic slogans as well as "checking" cars leaving the place
Russians storm airport in attempt to attack passengers of Israeli flight (Jerusalem Post)
According to N12, the pilots were warned of the mob and rerouted the plane to land at a nearby airport. The rioters reached that one as well.
Photo: Mob at the airport (Greek City Times)
