MAKHACHKALA, March 21 (RIA Novosti) - A special operation in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Daghestan is over, 12 militants were killed, the local interior ministry said Saturday.
A spokesman said the militants belonged to Abdulgapur Zakaryayev's gang, adding that Zakaryayev was also killed.
The two-day special operation in Kakashur started after a clash on Wednesday between law enforcement officers and militants. Police then encircled a group of 10 to 15 armed fighters. Five servicemen were killed and three law enforcement officers wounded.
Sporadic terrorist attacks and militant clashes are common in Daghestan, and in neighboring Chechnya, although the Kremlin has officially ended its military campaign to fight separatists and terrorists there.
