Russian interior minister reports on counter-terrorism activities in Caucasus

Law-enforcers eliminated about 149 militants and 19 of their leaders this year, Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev told a council in Grozny, RIA Novosti reports.

Nurgaliyev reminded the council that an operation has been held in Chechnya, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria. The activities are supported by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Several terrorist groups attempted attacks on May 9 but were neutralized. Structures of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Interior Ministry of Astrakhan Region reported about the prevention of terrorist attacks and attacks against police officers in Astrakhan on May 9.

A local from Astrakhan born in 1981 attempted to trigger a bomb on May 7. He was shot dead by the police. A grenade and a radio were found on the terrorist.

Other militants were detained. The police confiscated large numbers of weapons, explosives and components, sabotage equipment and other materials. Criminal cases were initiated for arms trafficking. Militants planned to plant a bomb in one of their vehicles, which is why local residents were evacuated for bomb-disposal experts to work. No rigged cars were found.