Eight people were reported killed in an attack in Russia's restive North Caucasus republic of Daghestan today.
Most of the victims were believed to be workers sent to repair a mobile-phone tower, south of the regional capital, Makhachkala, which had come under attack by gunmen overnight.
Officials said eight people were killed when assailants in two cars opened fire on the workers, who were escorted by police at the time of the attack.
Hours later, police were still exchanging fire with the attackers.
Adjacent to Chechnya in Russia's predominantly Muslim North Caucasus, Daghestan is the scene of daily violence, including frequent attacks that target law enforcement officials and are attributed to Islamic militants.
compiled from agency reports