Asia-Pacific

3 gunmen attack Chechen parliament: investigators

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-19 19:13

Chechen special security units control the area neighbouring the site of a suicide bomber attack near the parliament in Grozny, Oct 19, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - Russia's Investigative Committee said Tuesday that a total of three gunmen attacked the regional parliament building of the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya in the morning, one of them blew himself up.

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"The preliminary information available to investigators suggests that three militants entered the premises of the government complex in Grozny this morning. One of them blew himself up just outside the building of the Chechen republic's parliament," said a spokesman from the committee.

"Two others entered the building and barricaded themselves on the ground floor. They blew themselves up during the police operation," he added.

The Interfax news agency also reported citing the committee that three people died in the attack, including two policemen and one civilian, with another 17 injured.

The number of fatalities and casualties were also confirmed by the RIA Novosti news agency, saying the attack has killed three and wounded at least 17 others.

Earlier reports said those who broke into the building began a shooting spree as shots could be heard starting from 09:00 am Moscow time (0500 GMT) from the scene.