Four militants killed in Dagestan GURBUKI, Russia, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Russian forces killed four militants Saturday in the southern republic of Dagestan, officials say. A home serving as a militant hideout was raided as a part of a counter-terrorist operation in the village of Gurbuki, ITAR-Tass reported. A clash broke out, and four insurgents were killed. A representative of the Information Center of the National Anti-terrorist Committee told ITAR-Tass: "According to the preliminary information, three gunmen were destroyed. At present, the house holding is blocked and the active phase of the counter-terrorist operation will be continued. RIA Novosti reported the Russian government has been combatting low-level Islamist militant activity throughout the Dagestan region. Up to 300 militants are thought to be operating there, officials said earlier this month.