MOSCOW, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of nine militants planning terror acts were neutralized during a counter-terrorism operation in the Russian Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus region on Saturday, the Russian National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) said.
Two groups of suspects totaling nine were neutralized as a result of a short-lived shootout after they declined to surrender and opened fire at law enforcement officers when being spotted during a targeted search in the city of Derbent, the NAC said in a statement.
According to the committee, security agencies had received reports that the militants were planning a terror attack during the May holidays.
There were no casualties among civilians or security forces staff, the statement said, adding that one officer was slightly injured.
Investigations and necessary operational measures were underway, the committee said.
