Unknown gunmen shot dead two police officers in Russia’s volatile North Caucasus republic of Dagestan late on Saturday, the republic’s Interior Ministry said.
“A group of unknown assailants opened fire at two parked police vehicles at about 11.30 p.m. Moscow time [19:30 GMT],” a spokesman told RIA Novosti. “Two policemen died at the scene from sustained injuries.”
An investigation and search for gunmen is underway, he said.
The troubled region sees frequent attacks on law enforcement officers and government officials as Moscow continues to battle an Islamist insurgency there.
At least 12 militant groups made up of about 300 people are believed to operate in Dagestan.
The Russian authorities have moved to improve the poor economic conditions in the North Caucasus republics and curb unemployment, which are considered to be the main factors driving local residents to join militant groups.
