Russia Caucasus Insurgent Leader Reported Killed

Russia’s National Counterterrorism Committee has reported the killing by security forces of a suspected leader of the Islamic insurgency in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, in Russia's volatile North Caucasus.

The committee said Alim Zankishiyev, known as "Ubaida," was killed in a special operation by security forces in the republic’s capital, Nalchik, early on March 27.

The committee said security forces located Zankishiyev in a private house and stormed the building after he refused to surrender.

Russian officials allege Zankishiyev has led terrorist groups in Kabardino-Balkaria for a year, during a period in which more than 30 attacks have been carried out in the republic, including killings of security service members and soldiers.

Zankishiyev has been wanted by the authorities since 2006.

With Interfax and "The Moscow Times" reporting