Suspected Militants Killed In Daghestan Operation

March 21, 2013

Several suspected militants have been killed in Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan.

Regional Interior Ministry officials say one security officer was killed and two wounded late on March 20 in the special operation that lasted for several hours on the outskirts of Daghestan's capital, Makhachkala.

One security officer is missing.

Officials say police and security troops stormed a house after suspected militants inside refused to surrender.

Investigators are currently at the scene and the exact number killed is not clear.

Daghestan has become one of the most volatile republics in Russia's North Caucasus in recent years.

Islamic insurgents professing extreme forms of Islam regularly attack moderate Muslims, police, and officials.

Based on reporting by RIA Novosti, Interfax, and ITAR-TASS