In Russia, at least 17 militants have been killed by the security forces in the latest clashes in the volatile North Caucasus region. Security forces said the insurgents were killed in fighting in the Republic of Ingushetia, which borders Chechnya. According to the Federal Security Service, three federal security officers were also killed. It said some of the militants were linked to those behind January's suicide bombing at Moscow's busiest airport. Insurgents in the predominantly Muslim North Caucasus are fighting for a separate Islamic state.