'Militants' killed in N Caucasus

At least three suspected militants have been killed by security forces in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, officials say.

The federal interior ministry said the militants were discovered in an apartment in the capital, Nalchik.

Unconfirmed reports said those killed included Anzor Astemirov, an alleged organiser of an attack in the city in 2005 which left dozens of people dead.

More than 50 people suspected of taking part are currently on trial in Nalchik.

Kabardino-Balkaria has fallen prey in recent years to the instability afflicting other parts of the North Caucasus, particularly Chechnya.

Since the 2004 school siege at Beslan in neighbouring North Ossetia, Russia has targeted what it says are Islamist extremists operating there. Mosques have been shut and dozens of Muslims detained.

In October 2005, militants linked to Chechen separatists staged a large-scale, armed assault on government buildings in Nalchik. Russia responded swiftly, deploying hundreds of troops and special forces.

More than 100 people were reported dead, including militants, civilians and soldiers.