A photo posted on the website of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee shows a counter-terrorism operation in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan on Sept. 15, 2018.

MOSCOW, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) killed three militants Saturday during a counter-terrorism operation in the country's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAC) said.

During searches in a mountainous area, law enforcement officers found a group of bandits consisting of three men, who refused to surrender and opened fire before being killed by FSB forces, the NAC said in a press release.

At the scene of the fighting, weapons and ammunition were found, while investigation is underway, it said.

A photo posted on the website of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee shows a counter-terrorism operation in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan on Sept. 15, 2018.

There were no civilian casualties or law enforcement officer losses.

Dagestan is a hotbed of insurgency as it is close to the conflict-ridden Middle East. Repeated violent attacks have plagued the region for years.