One police officer died and another six were wounded during a clash with militants in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria on Wednesday, local investigators said.
Police were conducting counter-terrorism operations in the Mt. Elbrus area, a famous ski resort in Kabardino-Balkaria, during which they uncovered a hiding place where militants stashed weapons and explosives, a spokesman said.
The clash occurred when five suspected militants opened fire on police troops who were scouring the area, he said adding that there was no immediate report on deaths or injuries among the militants.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Russia's national anti-terrorism committee (NAC) said on Tuesday three gunmen were killed during the operation and their bodies were being identified.
The spokesman said at least four other members of the militant group had escaped and a search for them was underway.
He said the militants could have been involved in the attack on Friday on a van carrying Moscow tourists and an investigation was ongoing. Three people, including a woman, were killed and two others were injured.
Russia has imposed a counter-terrorism regime in two areas of the North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. The regime covers all towns and villages of the Elbrus district, including the town of Tyrnyauz, nine villages and part of the Baksansky district of the republic as well as four villages where increased terrorist activities have been registered.
NALCHIK, February 23 (RIA Novosti)
