MAKHACHKALA, September 1 (RIA Novosti) - Three policemen were injured in a car bomb explosion early on Tuesday in the outskirts of Makhachkala, the capital of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Daghestan, local police reported.
"The incident occurred at about 04.40 Moscow time [00.40 GMT]. According to preliminary reports a car parked near a police station or a passing vehicle exploded, injuring three police officers on duty, who were transported to a nearby hospital with various injuries," a police source told RIA Novosti.
An investigation is underway, the source said.
Russia's North Caucasus regions have seen a rise in violence in recent months. Attacks on police, officials and troops, and special operations against militants have been reported almost daily in Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia.
In June, Dagestan's interior minister was assassinated at a wedding reception.