Russian truck blown up

An explosives-filled truck exploded in the Russian region of Ingushetia, killing four militants, the RIA-Novosti news agency reported.

Among them was one of the closest associates of new Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov, RIA-Novosti said, citing the Ingush regional department of the Federal Security Service. The truck was to be used in a terrorist attack, it said.

Interfax news agency said the truck blew up during a special operation to kill rebels in the village of Ekazhevo in Ingushetia.

The two agencies had differing reports as to whether the militants were near or inside the truck.