Four militants killed in Russia

Russian security personnel have killed four militants, including a leader of a local terrorist group, during an operation in the North Caucasus Republic of Dagestan, an official said.

Russian security personnel have killed four militants, including a leader of a local terrorist group, during an operation in the North Caucasus Republic of Dagestan, an official said.

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One of the four militants, killed in a special operation in Makhachkala, was identified as the leader of a local terrorist sabotage group, a spokesman for the National Antiterrorist Committee said.

"Alibek Abunazarov, 40, had been on the federal wanted list for a long time. According to available information, he was involved in a range of terrorist acts, deadly attacks on policemen," the spokesman said, adding that the other three militants still have to be identified.

Bomb-disposal experts are currently working at the scene, they scour the field for explosive devices, he added.

Under the anti-terrorist operation, police surrounded a group of militants in a private house in Makhachkala on Friday evening. Two police officers were killed in the ensuing gunfight.

One of the terrorists attempted to break through the police cordon, but he was stopped. Though he blew himself up, injuring at least 30 people including 20 police officers.