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Sheikh Said Afandi killed in Dagestan

He died in an explosion committed by a suicide bomber in his home

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

MAKHACHKALA, August 28 (Itar-Tass) — Sheikh Said Afandi has been killed in Dagestan, three more people died together with him, a source at the Dagestani department of the Russian Investigation Committee told Itar-Tass on Tuesday.

“Dagestani cleric Said Afandi al-Chirkavi (Chirkeisky) died together with three more people in the explosion in his home in Chirkei in the Buinaksk district. There are wounded, too,” the source said.

Detectives and forensic experts are working on the explosion scene. Details of the incident are being found out. The police said a suicide bomber came to the cleric’s house and blasted the bomb at about 4:50 p.m. Moscow time.

According to the police, the explosion killed six people, including the cleric.

“The suicide bomber came to the cleric’s house under a pilgrim’s disguise and blasted a bomb attached to her belt,” the police said.

Casualties’ data is being updated. The house is cordoned. Evidence is being collected and witnesses are being questioned.

Sheikh Said Afandi, 74, was a spiritual leader of Dagestani Muslims. He had been writing books, articles, poems and articles for attracting new followers.

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