At least two suspected members of the banned Islamic State terrorist organization have been killed in a shootout with police in Russia’s North Caucasus that took place overnight Wednesday.
The region, known for its instability, has seen frequent attacks on law enforcement officials, including in the republics of Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan.
The suspects opened fire with automatic weapons after authorities attempted to pull over their vehicle in the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAC) said.
“Two bandits inside the car sustained wounds incompatible with life after a momentary engagement,” the NAC said in a statement.
“According to the available data, they were associated with the IS international terrorist organization,” it added.
Footage shared by the NAC showed an underground bunker that it said had been used as one of the killed suspects’ “clandestine accommodations.”
