MOSCOW, Oct 30: Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a security meeting following an incident at an airport in Dagestan. A mob reportedly stormed the airport after a flight from Israel landed, with hundreds of individuals, some carrying banners with antisemitic slogans, rushing onto the tarmac. This resulted in more than 20 people being injured, including police officers and civilians. Over 60 people were detained. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal probe into organizing mass unrest in connection with the incident.

The incident occurred in the context of Russia's involvement and stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict, which is part of Moscow's efforts to assert itself as a global power broker and challenge Western isolation over the Ukraine issue. The situation at the airport has since been resolved, and flight operations have resumed. Russian authorities are redirecting flights from Tel Aviv to Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody to other cities.

The Russian government has suggested that the incident may have involved outside interference and information influence. Dagestan's governor, Sergei Melikov, claimed the unrest was coordinated through a Telegram channel run by individuals based in Ukraine. The crowd had been looking for Israeli nationals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has called on Russian authorities to protect the safety of Israeli citizens and Jews, emphasizing the need to act against the rioters.

The Dagestani government and religious figures have appealed for calm and peace in the region. (AP)