Three suspected militants killed in Russia’s DagestanDecember 14, 2012 - 11:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Three suspected militants have been shot dead in a shootout with police in the volatile North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, regional law enforcement authorities reported, according to RIA Novosti. The suspects, driving a Lada Priora sedan, were stopped for a routine ID check by police on Thursday, Dec 13 night in Dagestan’s capital, Makhachkala. They refused to show their ID papers and opened fire at police officers instead. “The shooters attempted to escape, but police chased and surrounded them in a private house,” the reports said. “All three were killed in a brief fire exchange while police suffered no casualties.” The identities of the militants are being established, police said. The Islamist insurgency, once confined largely to Chechnya, has spread in recent years across the North Caucasus. Attacks on security forces, police and civilians are reported regularly in the neighboring republics of Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. Armenian government besieged by protesters Protesters led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan poured into Yerevan’s Republic Square to try to surround the seat of Armenia’s government. Armenia, Russia agree on repairing railway destroyed in floods Yerevan and Moscow have agreed to repair a flood-stricken railway in northern Armenia. |