UPDATE - 2 suspected militants killed in southwestern Russia

UPDATES WITH 2 SUSPECTED MILITANTS KILLED; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; EDITS THROUGH

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Two militants were killed in a counterterrorism operation in Russia’s southwestern region on Thursday, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee said.

This came after the federal security forces determined the location of armed people involved in “terrorist activities” in the city of Nalchik, the administrative center of the North Caucasian Kabardino-Balkaria region, the committee said in a statement.

“The two militants killed in a shootout were members of a gang that is part of an international terrorist organization. They were plotting to conduct a number of sabotage and terrorist acts in the region,” the statement said.

Automatic weapons and ammunition were found at the place of the incident, it added.

The committee said that no one from the police, security services, Russian Guard Corps, and Emergency Ministry engaged in the operation was hurt

Earlier, the Federal Security Service had announced the launch of a counter-terrorism operation overnight, saying members of the group attempted to hide in a community garden in the Cherek district, where they were surrounded by law enforcement and security services.

In response to authorities' demands to surrender, the suspects started shooting, it said in a statement.

"The counter-terrorism regime was declared in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Law On Countering Terrorism, in order to prevent and disclose a terrorist act, minimize its consequences and protect the vital interests of the individual, society and the state," said the FSB statement.

The agency said that throughout the operation, special measures and temporary restrictions will be in effect until further notice.