Nine people suspected of plotting an attack in Russia were killed in a shootout with security forces in Dagestan, the country’s National Anti-Terror Committee has said. The “anti-terrorist” operation was launched Saturday in Derbent, Dagestan, after police received a tip off over a group hiding in the city, who allegedly planned to commit an “attack” on May 1, traditionally a holiday in Russia, according to a statement from committee. “Nine outlaw have been neutralised following brief exchanges of fire” with law enforcement, it said. A Special Forces officer was wounded during the operation. Dagestan, which lies immediately east of Chechnya, has seen a number of attacks in recent years, with several assaults against police claimed by the so-called Islamic State group. Published in Daily Times, April 23rd 2018.