Three dead after security operation in Caucasus

Two militants are dead after a security operation in the Caucasus. A security officer and two suspected militants were killed during an incident in Mahachkala, the capital of the Russian Republic of Dagestan.

The security services say they cornered a number of militants in a hotel.

In a three-hour siege of the building, officers exchanged gunfire with the men inside.

Officials say the active phase of the operation is now over and the dead militants have been identified. They were being sought for participation in terror attacks and attempts to kill policemen.

Firefighters are now working at the scene.