MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Nine gunmen, who had been planning a terrorist attack during the May Day festivities, have been destroyed in the Russian North Caucasus region of Dagestan, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) told TASS on Saturday.
"As a result of the targeted search, two gangs were spotted in different districts of Derbent. After having being offered to lay down arms and surrender, the criminals opened gunfire. In a brief exchange of fire, the gunmen were neutralized," NAC said.
No one was hurt among civilians and law enforcers. A Spetsnaz officer sustained a light wound.
According to NAC, the gunmen had been plotting to stage a terrorist attack on May Day.
"During a stop and search operation aimed to suppress the bandit underground groups in the Republic of Dagestan, the security agencies were tipped off that bandits, who had been planning to commit a sabotage and terrorist attack during May Day festivities, were holing up in the city of Derbent," NAC said.
On Saturday, the chief of Dagestan’s branch of Russia’s FSB Federal Security Service ordered to launch a counterterrorism operation in the city of Derbent and adjacent region.
"At present, required search and investigative activities are underway," it said.