4 suspected militants killed in clashes with police in Russia’s Caucasus

Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim province on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, has become the epicentre of the Islamist insurgency following the two separatist wars in neighbouring Chechnya.

The Russian interior ministry says four suspected militants have been killed by police in the restive Caucasus province of Dagestan.

Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim province on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, has become the epicentre of the Islamist insurgency following the two separatist wars in neighbouring Chechnya. (AP file photo)

Police spokesperson Fatina Ubaidatova said two gunmen were killed late on Friday after they allegedly fired on police who tried to stop their vehicle for a check outside the village of Stalskoye.

Ubaidatova said on Saturday another two suspected militants were killed in a separate clash with law enforcement agents in the village of Kvanada.

Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim province on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, has become the epicentre of the Islamist insurgency following the two separatist wars in neighbouring Chechnya.

Militants there launch frequent attacks on police and other authorities.