Russian authorities have prevented a Christmas terror attack in the southern region of Kabardino-Balkaria. A car with three suspects exploded during a shootout with police, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee reported.
The special operation followed a timely tipoff about the terror cell's plans to launch a series of extremist attacks in churches of Kabardino-Balkaria during Christmas service celebrations. A special unit was formed to battle the threat.
When one the members of the Special Forces attempted to stop a truck with three suspects near the city of Baksan late on January 6, the passengers opened fire at the police.
In the course of the fire exchange a number of explosives detonated in the car setting it on fire. The three passengers died in the blast.
Police found two pistols, an AK-47 with ammunitions along with explosives. The explosive material was destroyed at the scene while the guns were sent to a forensics expert.
Investigators are still trying to identify the bodies and track down any possible accomplices.
The operation was conducted as part of the government's efforts to battle an extremist insurgency in the republic, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee press service said.
