Last night, unknown assailants opened fire on a van carrying tourists from Moscow in the Russian North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, killing three people, including a woman, a police spokesman said Saturday, RIA Novosti reports.The spokesman said two people were wounded, adding that those who were killed were aged 27-38.
Unconfirmed media reports said the fourth tourist later died in hospital. Russian prosecutors have earlier denied the report.
"This is not just an atrocious crime, this is a kick in the teeth to all the people of Kabardino-Balkaria, who consider hospitality as a cornerstone of their culture and lifestyle," the president of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-BalkariaArsen Kanokov said.
The republic's leader called on police and officials to take all measures to "protect tourists and ensure their security during the vacation." He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised moral and financial compensation.
