Another Beslan attack partaker may be alive

One serviceman has been killed and eight commandos have been wounded in a special operation in Dagestan's Untsukul district. A rebel unit has been defending a reinforced dug-out near the Gimry Tunnel for 48 hours. Units of Dagestan's Internal Affairs Ministry, the 102nd brigade of Russia's Internal Affairs Ministry, and the 136th brigade of the Russian Defence Ministry are stationed in the gorge around the dug-out.

"Several officers among us have been wounded, but their wounds are not dangerous. One serviceman has been killed," said Mr Abdulmanap Musayev, chief press contact for Dagestan's Internal Affairs Ministry.

Four or five rebels have been destroyed, according to Radio Mayak.

The main target in the special operation is Omar Sheikhulayev who was identified among the Beslan terrorists, Gazeta.ru reports.

There is information that it is Omar Sheikhulayev whom Beslan victims saw among the terrorists who captured the school in September 2004.

Some women from among the hostages identified the Beslan terrorist among the photographs of rebels on the wanted list of the Dagestani MIA.

It should be noted that none of the terrorists was able to get out the encirclement of school No 1, according to the official version.

• Two killed in Dagestan