Experts have identified a probable cause for the seal deaths in Dagestan

Scientists have hypothesized a link between the seal deaths in Dagestan and the spread of avian influenza. They believe the mass deaths, regularly observed over the past three years, may be caused by the autumn-winter migration of birds, which carry the virus. During this period, seals' immune systems may weaken, making them vulnerable.

The Kompas Foundation, which works to preserve seals, supports this theory, citing studies in Kazakhstan that point to virus-associated pneumonia as the primary cause of death. Final conclusions will be made after laboratory test results are available.

Earlier, approximately 500 dead seals were reportedly found on the coast of Dagestan.

Последние новости
Chronicle of Wars and Crimes
"Jihad": The Operation That Dealt a Humiliating Defeat to the Russian Army
6 August 2026

Operation "Jihad" began at dawn on August 6, 1996. A force of just 887 fighters from the Armed Forces of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria entered Grozny, facing a Russian military contingent numbering in the thousands. Learn more about the course of the operation and its aftermath in our video report.

Georgia and Abkhazia experienced a large-scale power outage for the third time in two weeks
Society
Georgia and Abkhazia experienced a large-scale power outage for the third time in two weeks
6 August 2026

Georgia and Abkhazia experienced another large-scale power outage - the third in less than two weeks. According to preliminary data, a new failure occurred during tests at the Inguri hydroelectric station, which were supposed to help establish the causes of previous accidents.

FSB Informs Nalchik Resident of Son's Death After Six-Month Search
Human rights
FSB Informs Nalchik Resident of Son's Death After Six-Month Search
6 August 2026

Khalid Karaf, a resident of Nalchik who had spent months trying to determine the fate of his missing son, was summoned—along with his wife and daughter—to the FSB headquarters, where they were informed that the son had died. *Kavkazsky Uzel* (Caucasian Knot) reported this, citing the man himself and a source within a Circassian organization.

Baku Seeks Explanation from Tbilisi Over Delays of Azerbaijani Trucks at Customs
Politics
Baku Seeks Explanation from Tbilisi Over Delays of Azerbaijani Trucks at Customs
6 August 2026

Azerbaijani truck drivers transiting through Georgia have been unable to clear customs for several weeks. They report that their trucks are being held at the Sarpi and Red Bridge border crossings, as well as at the customs clearance center in Tbilisi, without any official explanation regarding the reasons.