A militant base has been destroyed in southern Chechnya. A police patrol on a search mission spotted a group of at least five armed militants outside the village of Avtury in the Shali district on Sunday morning. The gunmen opened fire when ordered to surrender, sources in the Chechen Interior Ministry told Interfax o Sunday Firing back, the armed group retreated to a forest, reportedly suffering losses.A Kalashnikov rifle, viewing hoods for a shoulder-fired anti-tank grenade launcher and a passport under one of the militants' name, were discovered at the scene, the source said. The gunmen were chased, reached and attacked.
A militant base, protected by mines along its perimeter, was discovered during the operation. It had an arsenal, and a stock of food and medicines. Police did not sustain any losses. The search for illegal armed groups is continuing.