Dagestan Airport Rioter Who Hunted Israelis Killed in Ukraine
The Story of Omar Zhanburuaev: From Airport Riot to Battlefield
What Happened at Makhachkala Airport?
Important Point: This story begins with a violent riot that shocked Russia and the world.
On October 29, 2023 — just three weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of the Gaza war — hundreds of rioters stormed Makhachkala Airport in Dagestan, a region in southern Russia.
Why did they riot?
- Rumors spread that a plane from Tel Aviv, Israel was arriving
- The mob wanted to find and attack passengers coming from Israel
- They searched the terminal and airport tarmac
- The airport had to shut down completely
The damage:
- 30 security personnel and police officers were attacked
- 23 officers were injured
- 142 people were later charged by Russia’s Investigative Committee
Who Was Omar Zhanburuaev?
Omar Zhanburuaev was one of the rioters who took part in the airport attack.
His Sentence
- June 2025: Sentenced to 5 to 6 years and 8 months in prison
- Charge: Joining the mob that stormed the airport
His Change of Heart
In January (after his sentencing), Zhanburuaev released a video saying:
- He had signed a military contract and joined the Russian army
- He wanted to change his life and atone for his actions
- He claimed his original intention was to show support for Palestinians
- But he admitted he had caused harm to his homeland instead
What Happened Next?
A Dangerous Path
Zhanburuaev wasn’t alone. Seven participants from the airport riot later joined the Russian military to fight in Ukraine.
The Toll So Far
| Status | Number of People |
|---|---|
| Killed in combat | 2 (including Zhanburuaev) |
| Seriously wounded | 1 |
| Still alive | 4 |
| Total who joined military | 7 |
Important Point: According to Shamil Khadulaev, head of Dagestan’s Public Monitoring Commission, Zhanburuaev is the latest riot participant to die in combat.
The First to Fall
Muhammad Said Murtazaliev — another riot participant — was previously killed in Ukraine and buried in January.
Timeline of Events
- October 7, 2023 — Hamas attacks Israel; Gaza war begins
- October 29, 2023 — Mob storms Makhachkala Airport in Dagestan
- After the riot — 142 suspects charged by Russian authorities
- June 2025 — Zhanburuaev sentenced to 5–6 years 8 months in prison
- January (after sentencing) — Zhanburuaev joins Russian army, releases video
- August 2025 — Zhanburuaev killed in combat in Ukraine
- Earlier — Muhammad Said Murtazaliev killed and buried in January
Summary
- A violent antisemitic riot erupted at Makhachkala Airport in October 2023 after rumors of an incoming flight from Israel
- Hundreds of rioters attacked police, injured 23 officers, and shut down the airport
- 142 people were charged, including Omar Zhanburuaev
- Zhanburuaev was sentenced to prison in June 2025
- He later joined the Russian army to "atone," but was killed in combat in Ukraine
- Two riot participants have now died fighting in Ukraine; one is seriously wounded
FAQ
Why did the rioters attack the airport?
They heard rumors that a plane from Tel Aviv, Israel was landing. The mob wanted to find and harm passengers arriving from Israel. This happened shortly after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, when tensions were very high.
What was Zhanburuaev’s punishment?
He was sentenced in June 2025 to 5 to 6 years and 8 months in prison for his role in the airport riot.
Why did he join the Russian army?
After his sentencing, he released a video saying he wanted to change his life and make up for his actions. He said he originally wanted to support Palestinians but realized he had harmed his own country instead.
How many rioters joined the military?
Seven participants from the airport riot later signed military contracts and went to fight in Ukraine.
How many have died or been hurt?
- 2 killed in combat (Zhanburuaev and Muhammad Said Murtazaliev)
- 1 seriously wounded
- 4 still alive as of the latest report
Final Thought: This story shows how a single night of violence can change many lives forever — leading some to prison, others to the battlefield, and leaving families grieving on all sides.