Russian police and interior troops have killed more than 300 militants, including 43 warlords, in the North Caucasus over the past few months, President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.
“In the past several months, 479 militants were detained, and 313 terrorists, who refused to surrender, were killed, including 43 leaders,” Putin told a meeting on ways to fight terrorism in Russia.
“Our security agencies have started to work more effectively,” Putin said. “At the same time we pay a high price for every mistake, therefore we must work relentlessly and decisively, a step ahead [of terrorists], and when necessary, even boldly.”