Fresh clashes flare in Russia's North Caucasus
(Recasts, adds Dagestan attack)
MOSCOW, July 13 (Reuters) - Russian troops clashed with rebels in the restive North Caucasus on Monday killing five militants and losing two soldiers in three separate incidents, Russian news agencies said.
Monday's incidents followed a weekend of clashes in the region in which 17 militants were killed. The Kremlin views with deep concern any attempt to challenge its control over an approach to key Russian farmland and industrial areas as well as fuel transit corridors.
Interfax news agency said Russian security forces shot dead five militants in the North Caucasus region of Chechnya in two separate incidents.
It quoted a local police official as saying three militants were killed when they failed to heed an order to halt their car on a road running through Chechnya early on Monday.
Another two were shot at a separate location when they resisted police trying to detain them, the official said.
In Chechnya's eastern neighbour, Dagestan, militants attacked a convoy of Russian troops returning from training exercises, Itar-Tass news agency said.Two servicemen were killed and five wounded.
Moscow has fought two wars to subdue separatists in Chechnya, but clashes continue in neighbouring districts with rebels, many seeking an independent Islamic homeland. (Reporting by Conor Sweeney; Editing by Ralph Boulton)
MOSCOW, July 13 (Reuters) - Russian troops clashed with rebels in the restive North Caucasus on Monday killing five militants and losing two soldiers in three separate incidents, Russian news agencies said.
Monday's incidents followed a weekend of clashes in the region in which 17 militants were killed. The Kremlin views with deep concern any attempt to challenge its control over an approach to key Russian farmland and industrial areas as well as fuel transit corridors.
Interfax news agency said Russian security forces shot dead five militants in the North Caucasus region of Chechnya in two separate incidents.
It quoted a local police official as saying three militants were killed when they failed to heed an order to halt their car on a road running through Chechnya early on Monday.
Another two were shot at a separate location when they resisted police trying to detain them, the official said.
In Chechnya's eastern neighbour, Dagestan, militants attacked a convoy of Russian troops returning from training exercises, Itar-Tass news agency said.Two servicemen were killed and five wounded.
Moscow has fought two wars to subdue separatists in Chechnya, but clashes continue in neighbouring districts with rebels, many seeking an independent Islamic homeland. (Reporting by Conor Sweeney; Editing by Ralph Boulton)
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