Russia claims 70 attackers killed in cross-border Belgorod raid

Russia has claimed to have killed more than 70 attackers when cross-border raiders entered the country from Ukraine and the two forces battled for an estimated 24 hours before the attackers retreated from Russian territory.

In an effort to destroy the armed groups that penetrated the bordering Belgorod region in the most audacious attack on Russian territory since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine last year, Russia said it had deployed jets and artillery on Tuesday, reports Al Jazeera.

Russian officials said that nine border villages were evacuated due to the fighting. Two people died and 13 were injured.

“In total, more than 70 militants, four armoured vehicles and five pickups were destroyed,” Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

Russia’s defence ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, said local troops, air strikes and artillery had routed the attackers and what remained of the force was pushed “back to the territory of Ukraine, where they continued to be hit by fire until they were completely eliminated”.