Soldier Killed As Daghestani Checkpoint Attacked

August 21, 2012
A Russian soldier has been killed in an attack on a checkpoint in the Tsunta district of Daghestan in Russia's restive North Caucasus region.

Officials said an unknown gang fired automatic weapons at a checkpoint manned by Russian Defense Ministry soldiers.

Russian news agencies quote officials as saying the attack occurred on August 20.

An investigation has been launched.

Officials said a military convoy was attacked in Daghestan’s Khasavyurt region a few hours before the Tsunta incident.

Violence involving Islamic militants and security forces in Russia's North Caucasus -- which includes Daghestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia -- causes hundreds of deaths and injuries each year.
Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS