In Russia, five militants who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been killed in the volatile Northern Caucasus region.<br/> <br/>The national anti-terrorism committee said in Moscow today that armed militants were killed in a shootout with security service and other law enforcement agencies in the Karachay-Cherkessia region.<br/><br/>Authorities said, automatic rifles, ammunition and improvised explosive devices were recovered from the scene adding that a senior militant was thought to be among the casualties.<br/><br/>The announcement came after the CIA helped Russia thwart a terror attack on the Kazan Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg. <br/><br/>President Vladimir Putin praised the "exemplary cooperation" between the US and Russian security services and in a phone call Sunday thanked his US counterpart Donald Trump.

In Russia, five militants who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been killed in the volatile Northern Caucasus region.<br/> <br/>The national anti-terrorism committee said in Moscow today that armed militants were killed in a shootout with security service and other law enforcement agencies in the Karachay-Cherkessia region.<br/><br/>Authorities said, automatic rifles, ammunition and improvised explosive devices were recovered from the scene adding that a senior militant was thought to be among the casualties.<br/>The announcement came after the CIA helped Russia thwart a terror attack on the Kazan Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg. <br/><br/>President Vladimir Putin praised the "exemplary cooperation" between the US and Russian security services and in a phone call Sunday thanked his US counterpart Donald Trump.