Two militants were killed on Tuesday in a special operation near Nazran, the largest city in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Ingushetia, military and law enforcement sources told RIA Novosti.

The operation began when special services tried to detain the driver of a car, who was suspected of being linked to militants operating in the area. The suspect fired shots and was killed in return fire, along with another person in the car.

"The operation is completed, no casualties among FSB officers have been reported. Two militants were killed, their identification is under investigation," a source said.

Eyewitnesses earlier told RIA Novosti that a powerful blast rocked the village of Pliyevo near Nazran, followed by a shootout.

MOSCOW, June 29 (RIA Novosti)