Another three Chechen militants eliminated

Three Chechen militants were eliminated in Ingushetia (a Russian republic neighbouring Chechnya), a source in the republic's interior ministry told RIA Novosti on Saturday.

"On Friday evening, criminal police and staffers of the federal security service office stopped a Lada car, whose passengers put up armed resistance," said the source.

In his words, the return fire killed militants Khadzhiyev, Ismailov and Khabibulayev from the Chechen republic. The examination of the car discovered Nazran resident Khalilov who was kidnapped on April 30, 2004. He was heavily wounded and later died in hospital.

"No victims have been registered among the personnel. Operative officers confiscated three Kalashinikov assault rifles, three grenade launchers, a hand grenade and cartridges of various calibres," said the source.

The Prosecutor's Office has launched an inquiry into the case according to two articles of the Criminal Code - illegal weapons and ammunition storage, and attempt on the life of law-enforcers. Investigation is under way.