Extensive Russian counter-terrorism operations in N. Caucasus

Reporting to the Russian security bureau on Wednesday, General Alexander Bortnikov said that in 2011 there were 85 counter-terrorist operations enacted in the North Caucasus.

During these operations, the Russian military killed 45 "leaders" and 297 militants, as well as three known Al Qaeda representatives. Six-hundred and sixty militants and their supporters were detained, including 12 radical religious leaders. A large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other armaments were confiscated.

Several preventive operations were also carried out, resulting in 94 attacks avoided. The General also cited a 49 confessions among suspects.