Security forces have shot dead a suspected militant in the city of Nalchik, the capital of Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria republic.
The fighting is near the site where militant leader Anzor Astemirov was killed last week.
Investigators say the man has been identified – but his name has not yet been released. However, it is revealed that he used to be treasurer for a local militant group and was appointed its head after the death of Astemirov.
The area of the gun battle has been cordoned off while Russian commandoes have been checking nearby buildings for accomplices.