Three groups of militants comprising up to 12 assailants attacked various law-enforcement buildings in Russia's North Caucasus city of Nalchik on Friday evening, a police source said.
"The militants fired four shots from a grenade launcher at the local FSB [Federal Security Service] department. Subsequently, two traffic police stations came under attack," the source said.
"In addition, a blast occurred at an FSB health resort, it could have been a bomb or grenade," he added.
One traffic policeman was injured in the shooting, no fatalities have been reported. The militants were able to escape.
FSB head Alexander Bortnikov ordered immediate measures to catch the militants. He reported to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about the situation in Nalchik, the Kremlin said.
After the attack, Presidential Envoy to Russia's North Caucasus Federal District Alexander Khloponin took under his control the situation in Kabardino-Balkaria. "Khloponin is in Pyatigorsk, he is receiving reports about the situation and coordinating the actions of the law enforcers," Khloponin's representative, Natalya Platonova, said.
Last week, Russia imposed a counter-terrorism regime in two areas of Kabardino-Balkaria after militants attacked a popular tourist area on Mt. Elbrus, killing three and injuring two.
MOSCOW, February 25 (RIA Novosti)
