Speaking at a meeting of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, Alexander Bortnikov said police seized 130 improvised explosive devices, more than 900 kilograms of explosives, and over 600 firearms during the period.
"According to statistics, 80% of terrorism-related crimes in Russia occur in the Southern Federal District [which includes North Caucasus republics of Chechnya, Daghestan and Ingushetia]," Bortnikov said.
During the first five months of 2008 Ingushetia alone saw a sharp increase in assaults on law enforcement and military personnel. In 53 attacks a total of 12 police officers and four servicemen were killed and 46 law enforcement officers and 11 soldiers were injured.
On Wednesday, two policemen were killed, and five others wounded in the town of Malgobek in Ingushetia after their vehicles came under fire by unidentified gunmen.
"With these actions militants are attempting to destabilize the situation in the region, delay the return of a peaceful life for the local population, and prove to their foreign sponsors that they are actively fighting against the federal authorities," the FSB chief said.
