3 Chechen militants killed in a clash, "emir" Aslan Manakov among them

Three militants, "emir" Aslan Manakov among them, were killed in a clash in the town of Achkhoi Martan, Chechnya, in the early hours of July 15th, the operational headquarters for the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus told RIA Novosti Tuesday.

Another killed militant was identified as Rashid Dudashev. The name of the third killed is not known yet.

Manakov was known to have led a militant grouping based in the town of Samashki.

As many as 40 militants armed with automatic weapons and grenade launchers were involved in the attack at Achkhoi Martan. They arrived at night by cars, but entered the village on foot.

The bandits opened fire at the house of a local policeman. The policeman was killed and another three colleagues of his were wounded. The policemen returned fire killing three guerrillas.

When retreating the bandits kidnapped a local resident. Law-enforcers soon found his body stuffed with explosives near the town.

Law-enforcements opened an investigation and are searching for the attackers.