Two suspected militants killed in Russia's North Caucasus

Police officers have shot dead two suspected militants in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, a local police spokesman said on Friday.

Police officers have shot dead two suspected militants in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, a local police spokesman said on Friday.

The incident happened at around 10:00 p.m. (07:00 GMT) on the outskirts of the republic's capital of Makhachkala near the village of Talgi.

Officers attempted to stop car without number plates which was passing a police checkpoint, but the vehicle continued. Police gave chase, the suspected militants opened fire. The driver and his passenger were killed in the ensuing shootout.

"Their identities are being established," the spokesman said. "A machine gun and a handgun were found in the car."

The spokesman also said that the police at the checkpoint had earlier been informed that militants would be passing by.

Russia's North Caucasus republics, in particular Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, have seen frequent attacks on police and officials this year.

MAKHACHKALA, December 11 (RIA Novosti)