Russian security forces kill 7 militants in North Caucus MAKHACHKALA, Russia, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Russian security forces killed seven militants Saturday in the North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, authorities said. The militants -- six men and one woman -- were killed during a siege in the Dagestani capital of Makhachkala, RIA Novosti reported. One of those killed was local militant leader, said a statement from Russia's Anti-Terrorism Committee. The incident followed a grenade launcher attack and car bombing at a restaurant in Makhachkala Friday. Violence is an almost daily occurrence in the North Caucasus, with many attacks linked to Islamist fighters who have been spreading across the region.