ROSTON-ON-DON, October 15 (RIA Novosti) - A counterterrorist operation started on Thursday in the Sunzha District of the Russian North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, near the border with Chechnya, a Federal Security Service spokesman said.
The spokesman said armed bandits involved in very serious crimes may be hiding in the area.
At least two Russian servicemen and six militants were killed during an operation in the area earlier in the week.
Russia's North Caucasus republics, in particular Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, have seen an upsurge of militant violence this year, with frequent attacks on police and officials.