Two suspected militants were killed on Tuesday in a shootout with law enforcers in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Ingushetia, a spokesman for the republic's investigative department said.
"We were informed that two suspected militants … were killed in a shootout," the source said.
He added that no casualties were reported among law enforcers, but the shooting continues.
A counter-terrorism operation was declared at 4:30 Moscow time in Gamurziyevo, a village near the republic's largest city of Nazran, after it became known that a group of suspected militants took refuge in a private house there.
"During negotiations, a woman and a child left the house. Two or three people refused to lay down arms and engaged in a shootout with law enforcers," a police source earlier told RIA Novosti.
An Islamist insurgency, once confined largely to the republic of Chechnya, has spread across the North Caucasus in recent years. Attacks on security forces, police and civilians are reported regularly in the neighboring republics of Dagestan, Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
