18 militants killed in Russia’s North Caucasus

MOSCOW - Eighteen militants were killed in fighting with the security forces in the volatile Russian North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, media reports said.

The fighting took place in the Sunzha district Friday, Xinhua reported quoting Interfax news agency.

“The special operation is nearing an end. Eighteen militants who terrorised people have been eliminated,” Interfax quoted Ingushetia President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov as saying.

“Our goal is to restore stability in the republic and the whole Caucasus, and to guarantee peace to civilians,” he added.