The number two of the Dagestan Rebel Movement has been killed in a clash with police in the volatile North Caucasus region, a security official says, Press TV reported.
Two other rebels were also killed during fire exchange with police that happened in Kizlyar region in Dagestan, the official told Interfax news agency on condition of anonymity.
"The officers tried to stop a Niva Chevrolet, but three people inside the car opened fire, and were killed by return fire," the spokesman said.
Concerns have mounted over increased militant attacks throughout Russia's Caucasus region, where militants have been battling pro-Kremlin local authorities and Russian security forces in a sporadic insurgency.
Republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia in north Caucasus have seen an upsurge of militant violence, with frequent attacks on police in recent months.
In April, the Kremlin officially ended its anti-terrorism operation in Chechnya. The republic saw two brutal separatist wars in the 1990s and early 2000s.