The Makhachkala Airport Takeover: How Events Unfolded

Hundreds of Dagestani residents gathered at Makhachkala airport to greet the plane from Tel Aviv.

• Those present chanted anti-Semitic slogans and held signs reading "There is no place for child killers in Dagestan" and "We are against Jewish refugees." The provocateurs called for photographs of the arrivals' faces, asking them whether they condemn Israel, stopping and inspecting their cars, following them, and tracking their accommodations.
• The crowd blocked the roads, causing a traffic jam on the approach to the airport. "Let's all gather together and chant! Please! No questions. But don't block the road, you're breaking the law," police officers pleaded with the crowd.
• Protesters tore down the airport fence and broke into the airfield grounds in a "search for Jews." The crowd, searching for Israeli citizens, broke into every building of the airport.
• The crowd had broken through onto the runway. The people on the plane were terrified. "Don't try to open the plane doors—there's an angry mob outside who don't know where we came from or why. It's quite possible we'll get caught in the crossfire too," the captain said.
• Protesters climbed onto the wings of planes and broke through to the roof of the airport terminal.
• Due to unknown individuals infiltrating the Makhachkala airport apron, the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) has temporarily closed the airport to arrivals and departures. Airport staff asked the crowd to select three people to board the plane with cameras to prove there were no Jews on board.
• The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under the article "Mass Riots" in connection with the pogrom at Makhachkala Airport. This was reported by RIA Dagestan, which clarified that the crime under this article, Article 212, carries a penalty of eight to fifteen years in prison.
• The Dagestan Ministry of Internal Affairs promised that everyone involved in the unrest would be identified, as the airport has video surveillance.
• Meanwhile, an angry crowd began rocking police cars and demanded an apology from the police officer who had pulled out his service weapon.
• The crowd was successfully cleared from the runway. Almost everyone was also evacuated from the airport building. The riot continues.
• Airport staff negotiate with the crowd. They were asked to select three people who would board the plane with cameras to ensure that there were no Jews on board.
• Israel's National Security Council, the offices of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Ministry issued a joint statement stating that the country is monitoring developments in Dagestan and that there were no Israelis on the flight arriving in Russia from Israel.
• Police began arresting the rioters. Some of the Dagestanis were overpowered right on the runway, while another group was pushed back toward the barriers.
• An emergency response center was created due to the situation at Makhachkala airport and is headed by the head of the republic, Sergei Melikov.
• Rosaviatsiya closed Makhachkala Airport to aircraft until 2:59 a.m. on November 6.
• Several Israeli citizens, as well as representatives of the Jewish community, are at Makhachkala Airport, and their evacuation is being discussed, the Israeli Foreign Ministry reports.
• Rosaviatsia reported that Makhachkala airport has been "cleared of unauthorized entry."
• The Telegram channel "Utro Dagestan" threatens to rally the entire North Caucasus in protest if arrests are made.
• Security forces at the airport were pelted with debris and stones. Shots were heard.
• The Telegram channel Baza reported that several rioters entered the airport's VIP lounge and are searching for Jews there. There are no other sources for this information.
• Rioters are still at Makhachkala Airport. Passengers have been stuck on planes for over three hours. No one is being allowed off the planes.
• According to Baza, four police officers were injured in the clashes. Ekho Dagestan also reported ten injuries during the unrest.
• "All those involved in today's lawlessness have, by their actions, stabbed those who gave their lives for the safety of the Motherland," said the head of the republic, Sergei Melikov.
• A convoy of military vehicles was spotted on the Khasavyurt-Makhachkala highway, heading towards Makhachkala.
• Passengers on the Dubai-Makhachkala flight were released from the plane after spending more than three hours on board.