08:46, 13 April 2005

Beslan suspect killed in Ingushetia

"Federal Security Service (FSB) officers destroyed on Wednesday Iznor Kodzoev who had been on the federal wanted list," Yuri Smolianinov, a spokesperson for the FSB Department in Ingushetia, says.

He says the rebel took part in the June 2004 attack on the republic and is suspected of preparing the terrorist act in Beslan, according to Novosti news agency.

"The operation to detain the rebel hiding in a house in Nazran began on Wednesday. Considering that he was armed, women and children had been evacuated from the nearby houses beforehand," Smolianinov mentioned.

"It was suggested that the criminal should surrender, but he opened fire in response and threw several grenades. The bandit was destroyed during the combat," says the spokesperson. He adds that none of the FSB officers or local residents suffered. The operation involved armoured vehicles and 50 personnel members.

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