3 gunmen killed in Russia for plotting terror attacks

Three armed suspects were killed Saturday in Russia's North Caucasus city of Stavropol for allegedly planning terrorist attacks in public places, Sputnik news agency reported, citing a Federal Security Service statement.

Law enforcement authorities launched an operation early Saturday, foiling terrorist attack attempts of a group of gunmen, according to the statement. Several streets were under lockdown during the operation.

The North Caucasus region is a hotbed of insurgency, with separatists and extremists frequently attacking governmental, military and police facilities as well as civilians.