Russia’s National Antiterrorism Committee confirmed on Saturday six militants were killed in the North Caucasus republic of Dagestan.

Earlier reports said between three and five insurgents were killed in a special security operation on Friday, including a ‘sharia judge,’ Magomed Makhmudov, on a wanted list since 2011.

Security services surrounded the ‘Kizlyar gang’ in a forest near the eponymous village.

The insurgents refused to surrender and opened fire with assault rifles and a grenade launcher, injuring three police and four army soldiers.