Russian special forces killed a militant leader in a security sweep in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, the press office of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee said on Sunday.
"The active phase of the operation is over. Three militants were killed. Their identities have been established. Among those killed is the leader of the local militant group, Nabi Migibdinov," the press office said, adding the ring leader was complicit in an attack on a patrol post in Buinaksk in south Russia in 2009, in which 11 people had been killed.
Terrorist attacks and shootouts with police are common in Russia's troubled North Caucasus republics, especially in Dagestan and neighboring Chechnya and Ingushetia.
The Kremlin has vowed to clamp down on militants while stepping up efforts to boost the local economy.
MAKHACHKALA, December 12 (RIA Novosti)
