PYATIGORSK. Aug 6 (Interfax) - Eight stashes, including those with weapons and ammunition, were found in the North Caucasian Federal District between July 27 and August 2, the press office of the Interior Ministry's Main Department for the North Caucasian Federal District said in a statement.
"Rizuan Vorokov, one of the leaders of the so-called 'northwestern sector of Kabarda, Balkaria and Karachay of the Caucasus Emirate,' and four members of illegal armed gangs have been neutralized. Six more associates of armed groups have been detained," the statement said.
One terrorism-related crime has been registered in Dagestan and one has been prevented. A total of 64 effective search operations have been held.
The aggressive actions of law enforcement authorities forced bandits "to avoid open battles and to take care of ensuring their own safety," the Interior Ministry said. At the same time, "underground cells still pose threat to the stabilization of the situation in the region," the ministry said.
"The main efforts of gang leaders are directed at making up losses and expanding the networks of their associates, at preserving the management system of illegal armed groups and terrorist potential for armed resistance with detachments of security agencies," the press office said.