Three policemen were killed and one wounded when unidentified assailants attacked a police car in the Botlikhsky district of Russia’s North Caucasus Republic of Dagestan on Thursday, the press service of the regional interior ministry reported.
“At about 1:00 p.m. Moscow time [09:00 GMT] unidentified assailants attacked a police patrol in the Botlikhsky district, near the village of Chanko. Three policemen were killed, one was wounded,” the statement reads.
According to the press service, unidentified gunmen who were hiding in a forest opened fire at the police car with the police officers inside when they were checking information about armed men near the village.
“At present we have taken measures to search for the attackers. Additional forces have been brought up to the area of the attack,” the press service said.
The troubled region sees frequent attacks on law enforcement officers and government officials as Moscow continues to battle an Islamist insurgency there. At least 12 militant groups with an estimated strength of about 300 people are believed to be operating in Dagestan.