NALCHIK, January 7 (RIA Novosti) - Policemen in Russia’s volatile southern republic of Kabardino-Balkaria killed three suspected militants, who allegedly plotted terrorist attacks for Orthodox Christmas services, a local police department said on Monday.

According to the police department, law enforcers stopped a Gazel cargo vehicle for an inspection of documents during a special operation on Sunday, but people inside the car opened fire on them.

“Three militants were killed in return fire. According to our information, the militants were preparing to stage terrorist attacks in churches of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Stavropol Territory during Christmas divine services,” the statement said.

Policemen have later confiscated from the car an assault rifle, a pistol, ammunition and three improvised explosive devices, the statement said, adding that none of the law enforcers were harmed in the shootout.