Fatal Shootout in Kabardino-Balkaria: Three Suspected Terrorists Killed by Russian Police

Russian law enforcement officials announced on Monday that they fatally shot three individuals suspected of conspiring to attack police in the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria late last week.

The Investigative Committee of Russia, which handles serious crime investigations, reported that the suspects were in a vehicle near the village of Islamei, approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) north of Nalchik, the regional capital, when they were approached by police.

Investigators stated that the suspects opened fire on law enforcement officers after being ordered to surrender their weapons, prompting police to return fire, resulting in the suspects’ deaths.

Both the Investigative Committee and the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia labeled the deceased as members of an «international terrorist organization,» though they did not disclose additional information.

The FSB indicated that the individuals were allegedly plotting an armed assault on law enforcement in Kabardino-Balkaria.

A video released by state media showed three bodies on the ground, accompanied by automatic weapons, handguns, and explosives. Another video depicted police investigators at the scene of the confrontation.

The Investigative Committee confirmed the initiation of a criminal investigation regarding illegal possession of firearms and the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, while the FSB is looking into the alleged planned terrorist attack.