At least eight militants have been killed in a counter-terror operation in the capital of Russia's southern republic of Dagestan, Russian security officials say.
One of the militants was believed to be the leader of a local terrorist group.Police cornered the men at a building site in Makhachkala and ordered them to surrender.As the group opened fire in response, special forces stormed the building.There are no reports of casualties among police or civilians.Officials say the militants had taken part in deadly attacks on the republic's security services.Dagestan has been gripped by almost daily violence between authorities and extremist groups.