Several special forces groups set up in Dagestan include Internal Troops units and the Interior Ministry's inter-service teams, the source said.

Two soldiers were killed and three wounded as an Interior Forces unit came under fire from unidentified gunmen in the countryside in Dagestan, a republic in Russia's North Caucasus, a local law enforcement source said on Tuesday, adding that the figures were not definitive.

"Massive fire from automatic weapons was opened on the troops. The bandits were firing at the combined combat group from several points in a forest. As a result, two servicemen were killed and another three wounded," told Interfax.

Interfax has been unable to obtain official confirmation of the death toll cited.

Interfax