Russian special forces have killed ten insurgents during two operations in the north Caucasus.

Five died during a siege in Nalchik, the regional capital of Kabardino Balkaria. The city has been on lockdown overnight.

The authorities were looking for the people behind recent attacks on local police.

The area has been largely untouched by the spreading violence in the region, but there has been a recent rise in clashes with police.

At the same time, a second siege was underway in neighbouring Dagestan.

Ammunition and supplies were recovered from the militants’ woodland hideout.

A further five died during the operation, bringing the total number of militants killed to ten.

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