Law enforcement agencies in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan are
conducting a special operation to eliminate an unknown number of
militants. At least two of the militants have already been killed, and
an FSB operative died during the fight.
­The operation, which began earlier in the day, turned deadly when
militants opened fire on security officials. Two operatives were
wounded, with one later succumbing to his injuries in a later hospital. One
of the militants eliminated during the fight was later discovered to be
wearing a so-called suicide belt, which is an explosive device worn on
the body. Bomb techs are working at the scene to diffuse it. Authorities
enacted the CTO counter-terrorism protocol, restricting movement in and
around Kazan. Local residents are also being evacuated. Gas and
electricity have also been cut in the area.
Eyewitnesses
report hearing gunfire and explosions in the area where the militants
are holed up. MI-8 helicopters have also been seen in the sky over the
scene.
According to sources within the law enforcement
agencies involved in the operation, the militants were planning to
detonate explosives during the city's celebrations of Kurban-Bairam, an
important Muslim holiday.
The building where the militants
are hiding is located right next to a public school. Children who were
attending classes there have been moved to rooms in the school's
basement, for their safety. According to the Investigative
Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin, the militants that were killed were
wanted for questioning. They were suspected of being involved in the attack on the republic's religious leaders in July.