Russian news agencies say three suspected militants were killed in a security operation in Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan on February 25.
The Russian National Antiterrorist Committee said earlier on February 25 that the gunmen had been located between the villages of Nechayevka and Sultan-Yangyurt in central Kizilyurt district.
A security source said that between three and five other militants might be hiding in a forest in the area.
There has been no official confirmation of the alleged killings.
Violence has been common across Russia's North Caucasus region for years.
Criminal and militant groups remain active in the region despite the Kremlin's efforts to restore stability to the area.
Police and officials are regularly targeted in attacks.
Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax