Russian officials say that their forces have killed eight suspected militants linked to Isis.
In an announcement today, the country’s Anti-Terrorist Committee said that the militants had been killed in combat with Russian troops in the province of Ingushetia west of Chechnya.
It added that the militants had recently sworn an oath of allegiance to the so-called Islamic State.
Read more
Donald Trump thinks he'd 'get on very well' with Vladimir Putin'
Russia wants to 'eliminate Ukraine', says Ukranian PM
Diplomacy, not bombs, will defeat Isis
The agency said those killed included the group's leader, Adam Tagilov, who was accused of staging December's attack in Chechnya's provincial capital, Grozny, which left 25 people dead.
Russian officials said more than 1,000 Russian nationals have joined the Islamic State group and voiced fears they could pose a major threat when they return.
In a sign that Isis are seeking to gain more control in Russian speaking countries, the group announced last month that it was launching a Russian language channel.
With additional reporting by AP
In pictures: EU politicians banned from entering Russia by the Kremlin
